Lyra, the Lyre, is a relatively small northern constellation which nevertheless is distinctive and easy to locate because brilliant Vega is contained within it. Lyra was associated with the myth of Orpheus in Greek mythology. Orpheus was a musician who carried the first lyre, a musical instrument like a harp. It was invented by Hermes and given to him by Apollo. Orpheus was killed by the Bacchantes and his lyre thrown into a river. Zeus sent an eagle to bring back the lyre. Both were then placed in the heavens as Lyra and Aquila. In some old drawings of the constellations, Lyra is sometimes shown as an eagle or vulture carrying Orpheus' lyre in its beak or wings.