The extra episode of “The Sandman” on Netflix reveals that Morpheus (Tom Sturridge) fathered a kid with Calliope centuries before being imprisoned by Roderick Burgess for a century (Charles Dance.) The popular tales “Dream of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope,” which are based on Neil Gaiman’s outstanding “The Sandman” comics, notably the Dream Country collection, are included in the two-part episode. Despite being the primary character, Morpheus, also known as Dream, isn’t revealed until the very end of each single story.
A crucial figure from Morpheus’ history was introduced in an hour-long bonus episode that Netflix published two weeks after “The Sandman” had its streaming debut. The Greek Muse of tradition and inspiration, Calliope (Melissanthi Mahut), is the subject of the second part of episode 11. She has been imprisoned for decades by two writers, Erasmus Fry (Derek Jacobi) and Richard Madoc (Arthur Darvill). Both men have assumed Calliope’s authority against her will throughout her captivity in order to further their careers as renowned authors.
Despite their acrimonious divorce, which was mentioned during her contact with the Fates, Calliope calls her ex-husband Lord Morpheus, the King of Dreams, for assistance in her desperation to be set free. With the tension and chemistry between the characters clearly on display, Morpheus, Dream of the Endless quickly steps in to help Calliope while also dropping hints about their profoundly traumatic past. As the plot developed, it was eventually discovered that Dream and Calliope suffered a horrific aftermath following the passing of their son, Orpheus. The significance of his character opens up a lot of possibilities for “The Sandman‘s” upcoming seasons, despite the fact that it is just briefly stated.
Orpheus: Who is he?
Greek mythology describes Orpheus as a bard and the offspring of Calliope, the smallest of the Nine Muses and Zeus’ daughter. Depending on the source, his father is frequently referred to as either the god Apollo, the King of Thrace, or Oeagrus. Both in the story “Orpheus and Eurydice” and in “The Sandman” comics, Orpheus is devastated by the loss of his wife Eurydice, which prompts him to journey down the Underworld and make a beg to Hades for her soul. Hades agrees to this provided that Orpheus refrains from doing so until he and Eurydice have left the underworld. Eurydice is sent back into the Underworld as a result of his disobedience since he is unable to restrain himself from looking at his wife once again. Once more broken-hearted, Orpheus runs into the Bacchanal, a religion of Dionysus, which literally rips him apart, turning him into the animated head known as the oracle.
Comparatively, Orpheus from “The Sandman” comics maintains his Greek heritage as Calliope’s son; but, this time, Oneiros, Dream’s Greek representation, fathers him. Naturally, the comics offer a new level to the previous tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus begged the great Lord of Dreams to assist him before his journey, but he was turned down. This particular point clearly identifies the discord between father and son and is perhaps the primary reason Calliope left Dream after it sowed discord between them.
The way Calliope’s journey is portrayed in the Netflix series curiously gives the stern and brooding King of Dreams more nuance and serves to partially humanize the Endless. The bonus episode is a welcome addition to “The Sandman” season 1, but it also makes it quite evident that Netflix has not yet finished exploring Dream and his ex-wife. Even though it hasn’t been confirmed, Calliope’s introduction is a good indication that there may be more episodes of “The Sandman” season 2.
A Deleted Scene From “Sandman” Reveals Burgess’s Ascent to Power