 George M. Kaupp Cardinal Newman School Latin II

Background The Muses are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory. They are the companions of the Graces. They sit near the throne of Zeus and sing about his greatness, the world, and the deeds of the heroes. They promote the arts and sciences by inspiring artists, poets, philosophers, and musicians.

Where you see them in mythology Events o Sang at the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia o Sang at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis o Sang at the funeral of Achilles People who competed with the Muses o Thamyris: lost his ability to sing and his eyes o Sirens: had their feathers plucked out o Daughters of King & Queen of Macedonia: they were named after the Muses, and they were turned into birds!

Calliope “The Fair-Voiced” Muse of epic poetry and eloquence Symbol: Writing tablet or book Oldest of the Muses Mother of Orpheus Taught Achilles how to entertain his friends by singing at feasts Settled argument over Adonis between Aphrodite and Persephone

Clio “The Proclaimer” Muse of history Symbol: Scroll Introduced Phoenician alphabet into Greece Mother of Hyacinthus, who was killed by the wayward bounce of Apollo’s discus

Erato “The Lovely” Muse of love poetry and mimicry Symbol: Lyre Often seen wearing crown of roses

Euterpe “The Giver of Pleasure” Muse of music Symbol: Flute Invented flute Mother of Rhosus, who was killed at Troy

Melpomene “The Songstress” Muse of tragedy Symbol: Tragic mask Depicted wearing garland/crown of cypress Often carries club or sword Frequently wears cothurnes (boots worn by tragic actors)

Polyhymnia “She of many hymns” Muse of sacred poetry and religious dance Has pensive look on her often-veiled face Associated with geometry, mime, agriculture, and meditation

Terpsichore “The Whirler” Muse of dance and lyric poetry Depicted dancing and holding a lyre Carries a plectrum (device for plucking stringed instrument—our modern-day pick) Mother of the Sirens (with Achelous the river god as their father)

Thalia “The Flourishing” Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry Symbol: Comic mask Appears with shepherd’s staff and wears a crown of ivy Mother of the Corybantes (the priests who were devoted to Cybele)

Urania “The Heavenly” Muse of astronomy Symbol: Globe Appears with peg in one hand Dressed in cloak embroidered with stars Foretells future by reading positions of stars

Bibliography Delahoyde and Hughes. “The Muses.”