To me, the important part isn't the inevitable failure, but the relentless persistence despite the inevitable failure. See also "nevertheless, we will circumcise them"; "We're all going to die, but three of us are going to do something"; "'I know you won't,' she said. 'But I'll wait.'"; but I am a total sucker for this sort of thing.

Anyway, I found that moving, the idea that even though Orpheus is doomed, he tried, and inspired others to keep trying.