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The tragedy of Orpheus is finally resolved millennia after his falling out with his father in “The Sandman” #49 by Gaiman, Thompson, and Locke. After Orpheus lends his assistance in helping Dream and Delirium locate Destruction, Morpheus is overcome with sadness at his son’s condition and their estrangement. In exchange for his help and to finally reconcile with Orpheus, Morpheus offers his son a boon to grant, with Orpheus electing to be killed after millennia of existing as a severed head.
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Heartbreaking familial stakes aside, this request is a tall order for Morpheus — the Endless’ cardinal rule is to never kill one of their kin with the penalty of their death should this be violated. With Orpheus as Morpheus’ only begotten son, this criteria certainly qualifies, a fact that Morpheus is quite clear of. Despite this, Morpheus complies with his son’s final request and puts Orpheus out of his misery, effectively making himself a target of the Kindly Ones, the immortal beings overseeing the Endless.
