The nine muses

Evening citizens of Middle Earth.
Gi Suilon!

I have an obsession with Greco-Roman mythology! It all started in year 6 when we studied ancient Egypt and the beliefs facinated me. From there I discovered Rick Riordan's 'Kane Chronicles' and then the 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series. Since then I have acquired multiple mythology books; including some more of Riordan's work (Heroes of Olympus series and Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods).

A subject that isn't touched on much in his writing however are the famous nine muses. They and what they represent have always intreged me, being an artistic person. Here are descriptions of each:

1. Clio: The Muse Clio discovered history and guitar. History was named Clio in the ancient years, because it refers to “kleos” the Greek word for the heroic acts. Clio was always represented with a clarion in the right arm and a book in the left hand.

2. Euterpe: Muse Euterpe discovered several musical instruments, courses and dialectic. She was always depicted holding a flute, while many instruments were always around her.

3. Thalia: Muse Thalia was the protector of comedy; she discovered comedy, geometry, architectural science and agriculture. She was also protector of Symposiums. She was always depicted holding a theatrical – comedy mask.

4. Melpomene: Opposite from Thalia, Muse Melpomene was the protector of Tragedy; she invented tragedy, rhetoric speech and Melos. She was depicted holding a tragedy mask and usually bearing a bat.

5. Terpsichore: Terpsichore was the protector of dance; she invented dances, the harp and education. She was called Terpsichore because she was enjoying and having fun with dancing ( “Terpo” in Greek refers to be amused). She was depicted wearing laurels on her head, holding a harp and dancing.

6. Erato: Muse Erato was the protector of Love and Love Poetry – as well as wedding. Her name comes from the Greek word “Eros” that refers to the feeling of falling in love. She was depicted holding a lyre and love arrows and bows.

7. Polymnia: Muse Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; she invented geometry and grammar. She was depicted looking up to the Sky, holding a lyre.

8. Ourania: Muse Ourania was the protector of the celestial objects and stars; she invented astronomy. She was always depicted bearing stars, a celestial sphere and a bow compass.

9. Calliope: Muse Calliope was the superior Muse. She was accompanying kings and princes in order to impose justice and serenity. She was the protector of heroic poems and rhetoric art. According to the myth, Homer asks from Calliope to inspire him while writing Iliad and Odyssey, and, thus, Calliope is depicted holding laurels in one hand and the two Homeric poems in the other hand.

My favourite has to be Clio as she combines two of my passions that I still have yet to pursue. I have begun learning the guitar but haven't found the inspiration to take it further and my ancient history studies relate to the mythology. I see Clio as hope for my future and therefore (it is my belief) I choose to worship her above the other nine.

That's all until I next post so...

Tenna enta lúmë - May we meet again!