Muses

Muse reading Louvre CA2220

Error creating thumbnail:

Afbeelding van Clio

Hesiod and the Muse

Johann Christoph Storer, Apollo and the Muses on Mount Parnassus, c. 1650, NGA 127331

Nine muses and mnemosyne symbols disc from elis greece

Muses in Ancient Greek mythology are the goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science, and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge embodied in the poetry, song-lyrics, and myths that were related orally for centuries in these ancient cultures. The Muses were traditionally believed to be the daughters of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. According to the most popular myth, there were nine Muses, each of whom was associated with a specific sphere of human creativity and the arts.

Origins and History

The concept of the Muses has its origins in the early periods of Greek civilization. The word "muse" itself is derived from the ancient Greek word mousa, which is related to the terms for "seek" and "desire". Initially, the number of Muses was not fixed; different sources mention different numbers and names. However, by the time of the poet Hesiod, who lived around 700 BCE, the canonical number of nine Muses was established. Hesiod's Theogony is one of the earliest sources that names all nine Muses and assigns their domains.

The Nine Muses

Each of the nine Muses is associated with a particular domain of the arts and sciences:

1. Calliope: The Muse of epic poetry and eloquence. She is often depicted holding a writing tablet. 2. Clio: The Muse of history. She is frequently shown with a scroll or a set of tablets. 3. Erato: The Muse of love poetry and lyric poetry. She is depicted with a lyre. 4. Euterpe: The Muse of music and lyrical poetry. Often seen with a flute. 5. Melpomene: The Muse of tragedy. She is represented with a tragic mask. 6. Polyhymnia: The Muse of sacred poetry, hymn, and eloquence. She is shown in a thoughtful or meditative pose. 7. Terpsichore: The Muse of dance and choral song. She is depicted dancing with a lyre. 8. Thalia: The Muse of comedy and bucolic poetry. She is portrayed with a comic mask. 9. Urania: The Muse of astronomy and astrology. She is often shown with a globe.

Cult and Worship

The Muses were worshipped throughout the Greek world, but their cult was particularly prominent in two places: Mount Helicon in Boeotia and Pieria in Macedonia. These locations were believed to be their primary residences and sacred sites. The Vale of the Muses, near Mount Helicon, was a well-known site of pilgrimage where poets and artists would go to seek inspiration. Festivals in honor of the Muses, known as Mouseia, were common and involved poetic and musical competitions.

Legacy

The legacy of the Muses extends far beyond ancient Greece. They have been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and musicians throughout the centuries. The term "muse" has come to be used more broadly in modern languages to refer to anyone who inspires an artist, writer, or musician. The Muses have also left their mark on the names of various artistic and scientific institutions, including museums (a term derived from "Muse"), which are places dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of artistic and cultural artifacts.

See Also

• Greek mythology
• Zeus
• Mnemosyne
• Poetry
• Music
• Dance
• Astronomy