Hermes, the Greek god of travels welcomes us to some sort of Great Depression-era inspired post-apocalyptic land. Then the Three Fates introduce Eurydice, who wanders the wastelands. Hermes’s ward – the mythical singer Orpheus falls in love with her, and proposes her marriage with a little bit encouragement by the god. She accepts but has her doubts due to their life of poverty. Still, he manages to convince her that everything will be alright. Ah, the musician’s charm!
On the other side of the spectrum, we meet Hades – the god of the underworld himself, and his wife Persephone – goddesses of spring. They are a rather typical middle-aged couple that was married for most of their life – they still love each other, but have grown bored and cold. Hades is preoccupied with his grand project of Hadestown, while Persephone needs her freedom. He is a controlling, uncaring boss, exploiting his workers. She is an alcoholic that dreams of the moment of bringing spring and summer to the land over.
She joins Eurydice and Orpheus for a brief, yet good time. Persephone shares her misery when she has to leave for Hadestown. However, The Fates prize Hades and his domain, which makes Eurydice curious. She and Orpheus have yet another fight, and so have Hades and Persephone. So, Hades ventures to the ground above to find someone that would be grateful for the life he can give. This someone turns out to be Eurydice, who is urged by The Fates to join the god of the underworld. Orpheus learns about her fate of Hermes and pledges an oath to find her.