Know in detail all the legends of the Muses of Greek mythology. Discover their origins and how they influenced other gods.
Mythological Muses
Muses Goddesses of literature, arts and science, Greek goddesses who had a lot of influence in Greek mythology. There were nine Muses, all daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the personification of memory. They are sometimes classified as waternymphs. Some mythologists believe they were goddesses and primordial daughters of Uranus and Gaea. They are considered to be the inspiration behind several lyric poems, including the Homeric epics.
.Purpose
The Muses represented personifications of art and knowledge. Some arts associated with the goddesses include science, mathematics, theater, music and geography. It is believed that the Muses could inspire artists or speak through their words.
Origins
Although there are conflicting variations of their myths, it is widely accepted that the Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Zeus disguised himself as a shepherd and seduced Mnemosyne. They slept together for nine consecutive nights. Nine months later, the Muses were born at the base of Mount Olympus. It is believed that the goddesses lived on Mount Olympus and entertained Zeus with their artistic talents.
Apollo also had direct contact with the Muses and guided them in music. He also had many children with several of the Muses, including Orpheus, son of Calliope. Other variations say that they lived on Mount Helicon or Mount Parnassus.
Mythology of the Muses goddesses of literature
Most myths involving the Muses are short but sweet, as they usually have a secondary role. In one myth, the Muses judged a contest between Marsyas and Apollo. Also, they helped collect the remains of Orpheus’ body and bury them. In yet another, Thamyris challenged the goddesses to a singing contest. Their talents made them the winners and they punished Thamyris by blinding him and rendering him unable to sing.
A more popular myth says that King Piero of Macedonia had nine daughters of his own. He decided to name them after the Muses and believed that his daughters’ talents rivaled those of the Muses. He challenged the goddesses in a battle of skill and talent against his daughters. But the king’s daughters were no match for the Muses and their talents. Once the competition was over, the king’s daughters turned into chattering magpies because of their insulting presumption.
The Gifts, Appearances and Symbols of the Muses
There were nine Muses, each with her own talents and attributes. Here are descriptions of each muse, including what they represented, some of their physical descriptions and symbolic items.
Calliope
Calliope was the chief of the nine Muses and the patron of poetry. She was the mother or Orpheus. Her symbol was a writing tablet, which is included in almost all artistic representations of her. She was very mythically involved compared to her sisters. The muses are often called the goddess of marriage and the god of sad song. She is known as the Beautiful Voice and typically leads others in song.
Clio
Known as the Proclaimer, Clio was the patron of history. She invented heroic and historical poetry. She had a son named Hyacinthus, conceived with King Piero. Hyacinthus was a handsome man, but was eventually killed by her lover, Apollo. His blood dripped onto the ground where a beautiful flower grew, which would be named in his honor. Clio is credited with introducing the Phoenician alphabet to Greece. Therefore, his symbol is a scroll, similar to Calliope.
Erato
The main descriptions of this goddess include passionate and charming. Although all muses were attractive, Erato had an attractive demeanor. She was the Muse of lyric poetry, specifically poems about love and eroticism. She was the Muse of mimicry as well and was associated with parrots and ravens.
Euterpe
Euterpe was the most cheerful and joyful muse. She was the muse of lyric poetry and music. She was also responsible for pleasure and joy. While some mythologists credit Athena with the invention of the flute, many say it was actually Euterpe. Her symbol is the double flute.
Polymnia
Polymnia was the muse of sacred hymnody and eloquence. She was possibly the most beautiful Muse and had a somber personality. In artistic depictions, she is usually shown with a serious facial expression and is meditating or sitting with a finger in her mouth in thought. She is usually dressed in long, plain but elegant robes.
Melpomene
Melpomene was known as the Singer and was the Muse of tragedy. Although she was associated with undesirable events, she was very beautiful. She is usually seen wearing boots known as cothurnus and wearing or carrying a tragic mask. Her symbols include a knife or club.
Terpsichore
Known simply as Whirling, Terpsichore was the muse of choral dance and song. In artistic depictions, she is almost always shown with a lyre in her hands and in the midst of a joyful dance. She had at least one son, but many of the stories contradict each other. In some, she is the mother of the Sirens with Achelous, the river god. Others say she is the mother of Linus with Apollo, although some texts say that Calliope or Urania have the title of mother of Linus.
Thalia
Thalia ruled over pastoral poetry and comedy. In artistic depictions, she is shown holding a comic mask. She also often holds a shepherd’s crook in her hand, a symbolic tribute to her love of nature. She spent her free time exploring the meadows and forests.
Urania
Urania was the muse of astrology and astronomy. Some variations of the Muse myths describe her as the mother of Linus. Linus’ father was Amphimarus, son of Poseidon. He was such an amazing singer that Apollo became incredibly jealous. His jealousy eventually led him to murder Linus. Urania is usually shown with a globe in one hand and a pair of compasses in the other. In photos, she is seen with her feet resting on a turtle, which is a symbol of retreat and silence.
