The Muses

[Myth]

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The muses are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory). There were nine: Calliope; Clio; Euterpe; Melpomene; Terpsichore; Erato; Polyhymia; Urania; and Thalia.

In general the Muses were companions of Apollo. They danced with him, Artemis, Aphrodite and the Charites. The Muses sing and dance at the feastings of the gods and also for some privileged mortals, though their usual place of dwelling was Mount Olympus. The Muses sing about all things, though about the divine gifts of the gods and their blessed life, their laws and gracious customs in particular. They also sing about the great sorrows and deads of humanity.

They know how to speak falsehoods and make them sound true, but they also speak the thruth when they wish, and they know the past and the future. Poets, musicians and artists come under their protection and they grant immortal fame to those whom they favour and call to their service.

Later, the muses each assumed authority over particular artistic endeavours (though descriptions do vary):

Calliope:
Epic Poetry.
Clio:
History and Lyre Playing.
Euterpe:
Lyric Poemsand the Flute.
Melpomene:
Tragedy and Lyre Playing.
Terpsichore:
Choral Singing and Dance.
Erato:
Love and Bridal songs.
Polyhymia:
Sacred Music and Geometry.
Urania:
Astronomy and Astrology.
Thalia:
Comedy.

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