In a world obsessed with influencers and hashtags, it’s time to rewind to ancient Greece where the OG influencers, the nine Muses, were setting the standards for art, music, and inspiration. Let’s meet the girls who made Apollo’s heart go pitter-patter and inspired countless emo poets before it was a term!
1. Calliope (Epic Poetry)
Instagram Handle: @EpicSelfiesWithHomer
Need some rousing tales of heroism and grand journeys? Calliope’s your girl! When she’s not assisting Homer in writing the latest bestseller, she’s probably posting epic selfies from poetic landscapes. #OdysseyAdventures
2. Clio (History)
Instagram Handle: @ThrowbackThursdayQueen
Clio is the ultimate history buff. You know those people who know what happened on this exact day 257 years ago? That’s her. Forget Wikipedia; just slide into her DMs. Also, she was into vintage filters WAY before they were cool.
3. Erato (Love Poetry)
Instagram Handle: @SwipeRightForSonnet
If you’ve ever felt poetic while swiping right, you have Erato to thank. She’s the matchmaker of eloquent love letters and steamy verses. In today’s world, she’d be the best wingwoman at any poetry slam or karaoke night.
4. Euterpe (Music)
Instagram Handle: @OriginalSongstress
Before Spotify, there was Euterpe. Dropping the freshest beats in ancient Greece, she’s the reason your lyre playlist is LIT! If she were around today, she’d probably be collaborating with the biggest pop stars. Lana Del Rey & Euterpe? Yes, please!
5. Melpomene (Tragedy)
Instagram Handle: @TearsBeforeTikToks
The muse of drama and all things tragic. She’s the reason you ugly cry during movies and binge-watch tragic romances. With a talent for tugging at heartstrings, she might just be the original inventor of the “feels.”
6. Terpsichore (Dance)
Instagram Handle: @DanceLikeNoGreekIsWatching
Before TikTok dance challenges, Terpsichore was teaching the ancient Greeks how to get down. Whether you’re doing the moonwalk or the Macarena, remember to send a little shoutout to this groovy gal!
7. Polyhymnia (Sacred Poetry)
Instagram Handle: @SoulfulSonnetSiren
The most spiritual of the crew, Polyhymnia’s the muse you’d find at a yoga retreat or sipping herbal tea while journaling her feelings. She’s all about vibes, chakras, and eloquent prayers.
8. Thalia (Comedy)
Instagram Handle: @LOL_Lyricist
The original queen of comedy, Thalia’s responsible for every time you’ve snort-laughed at a play, meme, or witty pun. SNL, stand-up specials, funny cat videos? They all have a touch of Thalia’s sparkle.
9. Urania (Astronomy)
Instagram Handle: @StarsInHerEyes24_7
Got your head in the clouds? Thank Urania. This stargazing siren is all about horoscopes, planet alignments, and telling you Mercury is in retrograde (again). She’d definitely have her own space-themed podcast in today’s world.
So, next time you feel a burst of inspiration, whether it’s to write, dance, sing, or meme-make, just remember – you’ve got a squad of ancient Greek muses cheering you on! 🎨🎶🌌 #AncientInspo
For a More Traditional Review Continue on….
The Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory), are divine patronesses of the arts and sciences in Greek mythology. Their presence has inspired countless artists, poets, musicians, and thinkers for millennia. There are nine Muses in total, each representing a distinct domain of human creativity. Let’s explore each Muse and her specific domain:
1. Clio – Muse of History
Clio, often depicted with a lyre or a chest of books, is the Muse who inspires the study and writing of history. She’s seen as a guardian of historical records and is frequently portrayed with scrolls or tablets that symbolize the recording of events.
2. Urania – Muse of Astronomy
Urania gazes skyward, with her attention fixated on the stars. Often shown holding a globe and a compass, she oversees the realm of astronomy. Urania’s connection to the cosmos has also linked her symbolically to the abstract idea of universal love.
3. Melpomene – Muse of Tragedy
When artists sought inspiration for tragic tales, they would call upon Melpomene. Typically depicted with a tragic mask, she’s also seen with other symbols like a club or a sword. Sometimes, she even wears cothurni, which are the high boots traditionally worn by tragic actors.
4. Thalia – Muse of Comedy
Contrasting her tragic sister, Thalia is the embodiment of comedic arts. She is portrayed with a comedic mask, a shepherd’s staff, or a wreath of ivy. Her joyful spirit is evoked in light-hearted plays and comedic scripts.
5. Terpsichore – Muse of Dance
Terpsichore is the dancer among the Muses. Typically shown in a dancing pose with a lyre in hand, she represents both dance and the accompanying choral singing. Her name even translates to “delight in dancing”.
6. Calliope – Muse of Epic Poetry
As the eldest of the Muses, Calliope is the patron of epic poetry and eloquence. She is frequently shown with a writing tablet or a scroll, symbolizing her connection to grand narratives and eloquent expression. Notably, she is also said to have been the muse of the great poets Homer and Ovid.
7. Polyhymnia – Muse of Sacred Poetry
Polyhymnia, whose name means “many hymns”, governs over sacred poetry, song, and oratory. She is often depicted in a contemplative or meditative pose, draped in a long cloak, and sometimes covering her mouth with a veil to symbolize the sacred nature of her domain.
8. Erato – Muse of Love Poetry
With a name derived from “desired” or “lovely”, Erato is the muse who inspires lyric poets, particularly those who pen verses of love. She is often portrayed with a lyre or a kithara, emphasizing her connection to romantic and tender sentiments expressed in song.
9. Euterpe – Muse of Music and Lyric Poetry
Euterpe, whose name means “giver of delight”, is associated with music, especially the art of playing the aulos (a double-fluted woodwind instrument). She embodies the joy that comes from making music.
Greek Muses Chart
| Muse | Domain | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Calliope | Epic poetry | Writing tablet and stylus |
| Clio | History | Scroll and trumpet |
| Erato | Lyric poetry and love poetry | Lyre and roses |
| Euterpe | Music and flutes | Flute and lyre |
| Melpomene | Tragedy | Tragic mask and club |
| Polyhymnia | Sacred poetry and hymns | Veil and lyre |
| Terpsichore | Dance | Choral dance and lyre |
| Urania | Astronomy | Globe and starry crown |
The Legacy of the Muses
Throughout history, the Muses have served as a rich source of inspiration for artists of all kinds. The idea of an external divine force guiding and enhancing human creativity has persisted throughout the ages. Even today, the term “muse” is used colloquially to refer to someone or something that profoundly inspires an artist.
In the ancient world, invoking the Muses at the beginning of an epic poem or other significant work was a customary practice. This invocation was seen as a plea for inspiration and guidance to ensure the success of the endeavor.
In summary, the Muses, in all their varied domains, represent the pinnacle of artistic and intellectual pursuit. Their legacy in Western culture is a testament to the enduring power of art and knowledge and the divine inspiration behind human achievement.
