In ancient Greek mythology, the muses are 9 sisters. Zeus was their father, and their mother, the goddess Mnemosyne, personifying memory. Muses lived on Parnassus and patronized artists, musicians and poets. Each of them had its own field of art or science.
Instruction manual
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Calliope is the eldest of the sister muses. Translated from ancient Greek, her name means "beautiful voice." Calliope is the patroness of epic poetry and philosophy. It is usually depicted with waxed tablets or a scroll and stylus (stylus for writing).
2
Euterpa patronized lyric poetry and music. Her name translates as "amusing." He is portrayed with a flute in his hands, because it is this instrument that is most accurately able to repeat the sounds of nature. According to mythology, Euterpe is the mother of the ancient Greek king Res, the protector of Troy, who was killed by Odysseus and Diomedes.
3
Terpsichore - the muse of dancing and choral singing, "enjoying round dances." Sometimes portrayed as dancing, but most often sitting and playing the lyre. Terpsichore was called to teach people to express their thoughts and moods through movement, to open people the harmony between soul and body.
4
Melpomene is the patroness of the tragedy. The genre of tragedy played an important role in educating the civic spirit among the Greeks. Her name translates as "singing." Melpomene is depicted in a mantle on her shoulders and in a wreath of grape leaves or ivy leaves on her head. In one hand she holds a mask, in the other - a club or a sword. According to legend, it was from Melpomene that sirens were born - nymphs who, with their beautiful voices, lured sailors to reefs. The muse has become a symbol of theatrical art.
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Waist is a comedy muse known for its beauty. Depicted in light clothing, with a wreath of ivy on her head, she holds a comedy mask in her hands. The name Talia translates as "blooming."
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Erato is a muse who patronizes love poetry. Her head is decorated with a wreath of roses, in the hands of the muse the lyre and plectrum. The name of this muse comes from the name of Eros - the god of love and pleasure. She inspires people to sublime love, giving wings.
7
Polyhymnia is a muse of hymns and solemn music. She was portrayed tightly wrapped in clothes, with a wreath of roses in her hair, sometimes holding a lyre or a scroll in her hands. This muse is the keeper of all solemn songs, hymns and ritual dances praising the gods of Olympus.
8
Clio is the patroness of the science of history, her name means "granting glory." In her hands she holds a tablet - a writing board. The muse inspired poets who wrote about heroic deeds and battles. According to legend, Clio ridiculed Aphrodite for her too strong love for Adonis. In punishment, the goddess inspired the muse to love the poet Pierre. From him, Clio gave birth to a son, Hyacinth, a young man of extraordinary beauty. In ancient Greek mythology, Zephyr and Apollo vied for Hyacinth's love; he was killed by Zephyr out of jealousy. In the place where drops of his blood fell, a beautiful flower named after him grew.
9
Urania is the patroness of astronomy. In her hands she holds a globe and a pair of compasses, which in ancient times determined the distance between stars. The muse was also revered by sailors who were guided by the stars during their wanderings.
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Muses patronized creative people, inspiring them to create works of art or scientific discoveries. However, they could be angry with a person and deprive him of inspiration and even vision or voice. To avoid the favor of muses, people built temples for them, which were called museions. It is from this word that the modern word "museum" originated.
