In ancient Greek mythology, muses are the patrons of sciences and arts, designed to give inspiration. People worshiped muses and, in order to avoid their anger, built temples for them, which were called museions. There were 9 muses in total, they were sisters, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne.
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1
Euterpa patronized lyric poetry and music. She is portrayed with a flute. Euterpa is a muse of melodies born from the sounds of Nature, which symbolize purification.
2
Calliope is the patroness of epic poetry and philosophy. It is usually depicted with waxed tablets and a stylus (stylus for writing). From the union with Apollon, Kalliope's sons Orpheus and Lin were born - the most famous singers and musicians in ancient Greek mythology. By the name of this muse, a calliope musical instrument - a steam organ - was named. The instrument is distinguished by loud and piercing sounds. It was originally intended to replace church bells, but was used in circuses to attract visitors. They also set calliope on pleasure boats, where musical numbers were performed on it.
3
Melpomene is the patroness of the tragedy. The genre of tragedy played an important role in nurturing civic spirit and patriotism among the Greeks. Melpomene is depicted in a mantle on her shoulders and in a wreath of grape leaves. In one hand she holds a tragic mask, in the other - a club or a sword. Melpomene is the mother of beautiful-voiced sirens. The muse has become a symbol of theatrical art. Actors are called the servants of Melpomene, and the theater is the temple of Melpomene.
4
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. She teaches people to look at themselves from the outside, encourages a smile to relate to difficult situations in life and to perceive their own mistakes as a lesson for the future.
5
Polyhymnia is a muse of hymns and solemn music. Depicted in multilayer clothes, with a lyre or a scroll in his hands. Polygynia protects speakers and people who study rhetoric. Its task is to help humanity realize the true power of the word, with which you can not only inspire the greatest feats, but you can injure and kill.
6
Terpsichore - the muse of dancing and choral singing. Sometimes portrayed as dancing, but most often sitting and playing the lyre, but always with a constant smile on his face. The ability to dance was highly revered among the Greeks; in ancient schools, dancing was even included in the compulsory curriculum. Terpsichore's vocation is to teach people harmony between soul and body. She inspires her fans to express thoughts and emotions through movement.
7
Erato is the muse of love poetry. Her head is decorated with a wreath of roses, in the hands of the muse the lyre and plectrum. She inspires people to sublime love, giving wings. Especially Erato is revered by lovers, whom he calls for sacrifice and a balance between bodily and spiritual joys.
8
Clio is the patroness of history, "giving glory." Patroness of poets who wrote about heroic deeds and battles. Since the poets themselves could not be present on the battlefields, they urged Clea to help restore the picture of what was happening. In addition, the muse inspires people to know themselves, helps them make choices and find their destiny in life. This muse has the largest number of attributes. She is depicted with papyrus and stylus, with a case for scrolls, sometimes holding a tablet in her hands - a writing board. There are images of Clio in a laurel wreath (a symbol of valor and nobility) and with a trumpet (a symbol of glory).
9
Urania is the patroness of astronomy. In her hands she holds a globe and a compass, which determines the distance between the stars. Urania inspires people to contemplate the beautiful. She urges people to break away from everyday life and pay attention to the greatness of stars, in the reflection of which one can discern the intricacies of their own destiny. Urania was especially revered by navigators, who during their travels were guided by the stars.
