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The Nine Muses -

The Muses were figures in ancient Greek history and mythology, seen as the inspirational force behind literature, poetry, myth, lyrical prose, and science.

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The Nine Muses -

The source of all knowledge embodied in myth and oral storytelling in ancient Greek culture, nine standardized Muses were established.

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Naming the Muses -

The standardized Muses were known as Calliope, Clio, Polyhymnia, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Erato, Melpomene, Thalia, and Urania. 

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Origins -

In ancient Greek, the word "muse" possibly comes from the word "mousai" and the eariler Proto-Indo-European root "men" which means to put in mind, or to have in mind.

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Origins -

"Men" can also refer to a mountain or tower, which is appropriate, as the Muses' most important cult centers were on hills or mountains.

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Origins -

The earliest records of the Muses (that we know of) come from Boeotia, a regional unit of Greece that's part of the Central Greece region. 

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Three Muses? -

In some places, it was believed there were three Muses. However in the first century BCE, it was observed: "Writers similarly disagree also concerning the number of the Muses; for some say that there are three, and others that there are nine, but the number nine has prevailed since it rests upon the authority of the most distinguished men, such as Homer and Hesiod and others like them."

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Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne -

According to Hesiod's account (c. 600 BCE), the Nine Muses were the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne ("Memory" personified).

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Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne -

As their daughters, the Nine Muses were the personification of the knowledge of the arts, in particular, poetry, dance, music, and literature.

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Classical understanding -

The classical understanding of the Muses was of nine goddesses who would inspire creation and embody the arts themselves.

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Hellenistic times -

In Hellenistic times, a systemic set of functions came to be associated with each muse, although there was sometimes variation between their names and attributes.

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Hesiod's "Theogony" (seventh century BC) -

The ancient Greek poet Hesiod refers to the Muses in his "Theogony" as having a special role: that of bringing forgetfulness. The arts personified by the Muses gave people a break from pain and a distraction from their obligations.

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Prosperity and friendship -

According to the Greek poet and "law-giver" Solon, the Muses were "the key to the good life." He saw them as bringing not just prosperity, but also friendship.

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Temples -

There were several temples and shrines dedicated to the Muses at various locations in ancient Greece. Two main cult centers were located at Mount Helikon in Boiotia and Pieria in Makedonia.

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Invoking the Muse -

In ancient times, authors and poets would ask for help and inspiration from the Muses, or simply request the Muse worked through them as they practiced their craft.

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Nine Muses: Thalia -

In ancient Greek, Thalia means "the joyous, the flourishing." Thalia presided over comedy and idyllic poetry, and her symbol is an ivy wreath.

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Nine Muses: Calliope -

Calliope literally means "beautiful voiced." Her remit as a Muse was over eloquence and epic poetry. She was sometimes referred to as the "Chief of all Muses." She's usually depicted with a writing tablet in her hands.

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Nine Muses: Euterpe -

Euterpe means "rejoicing well" or "to delight." She was the Muse who presided over music, and in later Classical times, lyrical poetry.

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Euterpe -

Along with her sisters, Euterpe was said to live on Mount Olympus. It was there that she entertained her father and the great gods. She is usually depicted holding a flute.

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Nine Muses: Terpsichore -

Terpsichore means to take "delight in dancing" in ancient Greek, and this Muse was recognized as the goddess of dance and chorus.

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Terpischore -

As well as being a Muse, Terpsichore was also the mother of the Sirens by the river god Achelous. She is frequently depicted with a lyre, accompanying dancers with music.  

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Nine Muses: Erato -

The name Erato means "desired" or "lovely," derived from the same root as Eros. She is the Muse of lyric poetry, erotic poetry, and mimic imitation. Her symbols are the lyre and kithara.

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Nine Muses: Polyhymnia -

Polyhymnia means "the one of many hymns," being derived from the words "poly" (many) and "hymnia" (hymns). She is the Muse of sacred poetry, sacred hymn, dance, and eloquence.

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Polyhymnia -

Polyhymnia also presides over agriculture and pantomime. She is depicted as someone serious and meditative, and is sometimes considered the Muse of meditation and geometry.

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Nine Muses: Urania -

Urania means "heavenly" or "of heaven." Urania is the Muse who rules over astronomy, astrology, and the stars. She is associated with the concept of Universal Love.

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Urania -

She's frequently depicted holding a globe or a compass. She was said to be able to foretell the future according to the arrangement of the stars.

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Nine Muses: Clio -

Clio, also spelled "Kleio," is the Muse of history and in some accounts, lyre-playing. Her name means "to recount," or "to celebrate."

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Clio -

She is frequently depicted with an open parchment scroll, clepsydra (water clock), a book, or a set of tablets. She is also sometimes referred to as "the Proclaimer" and in her capacity as a Muse, she's the celebrator of great deeds and accomplishments.

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Nine Muses: Melpomene -

Melpomene means "to sing" or "the one that is melodious." As a Muse, Melpomene is the goddess of tragedy and is frequently depicted with a tragic mask. She is said to sing songs of mourning for people after they die, especially poets.

Sources: (Britannica) (Greek Reporter) (The Collector) (World History) (Greek Mythology)

See also: The gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes of Celtic folklore

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