Where do they come from?

"For nine nights Zeus did lay
With Mnemosyne in secrecy
From this union nine they say
Beautiful, lovely the Muses be"
by Phyllis Doyle Burns

Unique talents

Each one of the muses has her own domain and attributes. Here is a list in alphabetical order

CALIOPE - Caliope was often portrayed as the most important and the most beautiful one. Her domain is epic poetry and she is often seen holding a writing tablet.

CLIO - Clio is there for history lovers, but not only for knowledge. Her domain is glorifying history and she is seen holding a scroll.

ERATO - Erato is the muse of love and lyric poetry and is seen holding a cithara.

EUTERPE - Euterpe represents elegiac poetry and is the muse os singing. She is seen with a flute type instrument called aulos.

MELPOMENE - Melpomene is the muse of tragedy and is portraited holding a tragedy mask in her hand or sometimes over her face.

POLYHYMNIA - This muse area are hymns. For inspiration when you want to write a hymn or an ode to some hero or a god, you want to be on her good side. She is seen with a veil.

TERPSICHORE - This is the muse of dance whose symbol is the lyre.

THALIA - Thalia is here for all of you who enjoy a good laugh, she is the muse of comedy and is represented by a comedy mask.

URANIA - This muse is the favourite one for all scholars and scientists. She is the muse of astronomy and is often seen holding a globe and a compass.

When do we need them?

“Happy is the man who the muses love, sweet speech flows from his mouth” – Hesiod

There is some truth in his words for muses are tricky and they will run and hide often. Good luck with your art and good luck with your muse findings!

For additional information on muses please follow these links:
The Eternal Muse
Muses: Nine Goddesses From Greek Mythology
Ancient history encyclopedia - Muse
The Younger Muses