Greek Mythology: The Nine Muses

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Muses
The nine Muses were Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania. They were the daughters of Zeus, the King of Gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. Some say that after Pegasus, the winged horse, kicked a rock on Mount Helicon, the Muses were born in the four sacred springs that gushed out of the crevice. Above the clouds, covering the divine mountain peaks of Mount Olympus and Mount Helicon, the Muses dwelled. They reigned over the liberal and fine arts, especially in music, literature, and dance. The nine muses were even considered to be the embodiment of their own respective art. Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and medicine, was said to be the leader of the Muses when they performed …show more content…

Erato was characterized with a Cithara, a type of lyre. She was said to be alluring and passionate to many Greek poets. Occasionally illustrated with turtle doves and golden arrows, she was said to accompany the Eros, the god of love. Erato’s name meant, “desired,” and was given to her because of her romantic poetry. Melpomene
Melpomene, the fifth oldest sister, represented tragedy. A tragic mask was used to portray her art. She was usually portrayed holding a sword, wearing a wreath of cypress, and cothurnus, boots customarily worn by actors in tragedies. Cypress was a symbol for agony or sorrow. Melpomene’s name meant, “to celebrate with dance and song,” and was given to her because was she first the muse of song. Polyhymnia
Polyhymnia, the patron of sacred hymn, was the sixth oldest sister. Her symbol was a veil, correlating with a virgin priestess. Polyhymnia was thought to be very serious and eloquent. Often, she was depicted as leaning on a column in deep thought or holding a finger near her mouth. Many mortals who wanted to advance society would pray to her, invoking her inspiration. It was believed that she could enlighten people about life and their religious beliefs. Polyhymnia’s name meant, “many praise,” and was given to her because sacred hymns were meant for the gods and

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