THE MUSES
The Nine Muses were Greek goddesses who ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. They were the daughters of Zeus, lord of all gods, and Mnemosyne, who represented memory. Memory was important for the Muses because in ancient times, when there were no books, poets had to carry their work in their memories. Zeus and Mnemosyne had a love affair that lasted nine nights.The Muses were the goddesses who inspired gifted artists, musicians, dancers and authors.
They were followers of god Apollo (god of music and prophecy), but also good friends of the goddess Athena (Greek myth)/ Minerva (Roman myth).
Plato built an altar for the Nine Muses in the library of his famous school, The Academy.
“Muse” is the source for words like museum, amuse, music and mosaic.
The word “museum” means shrine or temple to the Muses.
Calliope was the muse of epic poetry.
Clio was the muse of history.
Erato was the muse of love poetry.
Euterpe was the muse of music.
Melpomene was the muse of tragedy.
Polyhymnia was the muse of sacred poetry.
Terpsichore was the muse of dance.
Thalia was the muse of comedy.
Urania was the muse of astronomy.