#mousai

[k-oree]

Erato, Muse of Love Poetry

Albertina • Vienna, Austria

[artcrystals]

The Nine Muses

Calliope, First of the Muses, Goddess of Epic Poetry

(fan design, ofc)

[khaire-traveler]

The Nine Muses

This is a very simple post about the Muses in hopes of explaining who they are, what their domains are, and some things they may be able to help with. This post isn't a deep dive by any means - just a simple introduction. Enjoy!

Who are the Muses?

The Muses, or Mousai, are goddesses of inspiration for various creative, scientific, and poetic endeavors. They were believed to also have knowledge of all things that have come to pass, remembering events with clarity that mortals could not hope to have. Their names are Kalliope, Kleio, Ourania, Thaleia, Melpomene, Polymnia, Erato, Euterpe, and Terpsikhore.

In total, there are nine Muses. The god Apollon was often believed to be the leader of the Muses, having a very close connection with them. The goddess Artemis was also paired with them.

Their origin and family varied depending on the source, but the most common notion was that Zeus and Mnemosyne are their parents and that they were born at the foot of Mount Olympus. Some other possible parents are Ouranos and Gaia, Zeus and Plousia, Pieros and Antiope, or even Apollon.

Poets of the past used to invoke the names of the Muses in hopes of gaining inspiration and the ability to gracefully convey their words. When a connection was drawn between them and Apollo, they were also known for their prophetic abilities as well, even being said to teach the art of prophecy.

What are each of their domains?

Kalliope - The eldest of the Muses, she is the goddess of eloquence and epic poetry. She is often considered the mother of Orpheus. She was depicted with a tablet, a scroll, or (later on) a lyre. Her name has been translated to mean "beautiful-voiced".

Kleio - Wise and intelligent, she is named the goddess of history. In art, she was often depicted with an open scroll or chest full of books. Her name was translated as "to make famous".

Ourania - Associated with the stars, she is the goddess of astronomy and astronomical writings. She has been depicted pointing at a celestial globe with a rod, but I wasn't able to find more information on her symbols. Her name means "heavenly one".

Thaleia - A goddess that helps bring joy to the world, she is the goddess of comedy and bucolic poetry. She was also considered to be the mother of the Korybantes (a group of seven demigods). She was often depicted with a comedy mask, a shepherd's staff, or a wreath of ivy. Her name has been translated as "festivity" or "blooming".

Melpomene - Holding a domain more somber than the Muse above, she is the goddess of tragedy. She was named the mother of the Sirens by Apollodorus. She was depicted with a tragedy mask, a sword, a wreath of ivy, or cothurnus boots. Her name likely means "to celebrate with song (and dance)".

Polymnia - With a name meaning "many hymns" or "many praises", it's no surprise that she's the goddess of religious hymns. She was often portrayed in a meditative pose.

Erato - A Muse that needs no introduction, she is the goddess of erotic poetry and mime. She was often portrayed with a lyre. Her name means "lovely" or "beloved".

Euterpe - Likely full of rhymes and reasons, she is the goddess of lyric poetry. She was often depicted with a double flute. Her name likely means "well pleasing" or "giver of much delight".

Terpsikhore - Filled with music, she is the goddess of choral song and dancing. She was often depicted with a lyre and plectrum. Her name has been translated to "delighting in dance".

Kalliope - Speaking presentations, writing essays, script reading, reading/writing informational posts/articles/etc., interpreting poetry, poetry writing/reading, sharing your own poetry, communicating clearly with others, important conversations, coping with conflicts, addressing conflicts, making peace with others.

What are some things they can help with specifically?

***These are merely suggestions.***

Kleio - History exams/tests, studying classics/history, delving into your own history, discovering family history, recalling past events, writing myth retellings or similar, identifying patterns of behavior, releasing the past, learning from the past, finding hope for the future.

Ourania - Studying the stars/space, story-telling, understanding the universe around us, memorizing constellations, finding peace in the night, finding hope in the darkness, creating goals for yourself, "reaching for the stars", holding onto your wishes, finding a sense of direction.

Thaleia - Creating your own joy, finding what makes you happy, performing stand-up comedy, writing any form of comedy, play-writing, healthy positivity, learning to laugh things off, releasing stress/burdens, moving forward, expressing your joy.

Melpomene - Coping with hardships, moving through difficult times, releasing the past, forgiving oneself, coping with past mistakes/regret, healing from difficult events, coping with the "downs" of life, play-writing, telling tragic tales, addressing difficult topics sensitively.

Polymnia - Writing devotional poetry/hymns/songs/etc., growing closer with religion/devotion, inspiration for offerings/devotional acts, coping with religious difficulties, finding comfort/joy in religion, connecting with the divine, religious/spiritual writings, connecting with your practice.

Erato - Love letters, confessing your feelings through writings/songs/etc., connecting with sexuality, writing/reading erotic stories, communicating sexual needs, establishing/discovering sexual boundaries, sex positivity (especially through literature), embracing your sexual interests.

Euterpe - Writing poetry, interpreting poetry, communicating one's emotions, romanticizing life, sharing poetry with others, devotional poetry, expressing one's feelings through writing, processing emotions, finding the "right word" for a piece you're writing.

Terpsikhore - Song-writing, learning to dance, expressing yourself through dance/song, connecting with music, processing feelings with musical aid, instrument playing, choral/instrumental performances, writing a musical, musical theater, finding your voice, embracing who you are, expressing yourself.

[s-c-r-ee-ch]

Three muses complaining to Apollo of the barbarity of men

Bas-relief in plaster by Émile Morlaix (1937)

[csodaturmix]

Huzzah!

[nocturnalhag]

𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒆 ; 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚 🎭🏛

[please reblog or like if you saved]

[apollon-quotes]

“The Mousai are always dancing, and the goddesses love to busy themselves with songs and strings. But when they see Apollon beginning to lead the dance, they put their heart into their singing even more than before and send down from Helikon an all-harmonious sound.”

- Simonides, Fragment 578 (from Himerius, Orations)

[percymmon]

(6 August 2023)

[nyxshadowhawk]

My Hymn to the Muses

Since I can apparently write poetry now, I've decided to begin work on a hymnal. It's going to be a long-term project. As is proper, I've begun with the Muses. (I also really could use their help right now.) I was sobbing while writing this, so, that's how I know I'm on the right track.

To the Muses O Muses, from whom all stories flow Like the waters of the Hippocrene, that pours from Helicon’s towering heights onto the sacred planes of Greece; Daughters of Zeus and mothers of song, whose voices sound like chiming bells, heard in the ripples of the stream and the calling of the wind, singing stories older than the many languages of men; Your voices sing within my soul And always have, since I was born.

Urania, who in my youth led me to a sacred stream, and turned my face up to the stars; Calliope, who leads me through the lengthy stories that I tell; Terpsichore, who compels my limbs to express what’s in my heart; Euterpe and Erato, who with their sweet voices, charm my soul; Polyhymnia, who speaks to me now, encouraging me to praise the gods; Clio, she who calls my glance back to the rich lore of the past; Thalia and Melpomene, the witty players on life’s stage, who remind me to enjoy the show, and teach me how to cope with endings.

Pegasus brought me to you, Once, very long ago. And in that time you’ve taught me well How to sing and dance and write, the many arts of lorekeeping. Sisters, now I call to you-- fill me with the voice divine, so that always, always the words will come.

[piristephes]

By Polyhymnia's hand I weave my prayer Holiest Muse, may I live to honour the Gods With actions and words

português:

Pela mão de Polímnia Teço minha oração Sacratíssima Musa, possa eu viver para honrar os Deuses Com cada palavra e ação

[aerial-jace]

Prayer to Djehuty for Artistic Inspiration

Hail and praise onto you, Djehuty, True Scribe of Ma'at!

Oh, Thrice Great of Heka Power, Wise One in Iunu, the Mousa has fled, she prowls a distant land in the form of a lioness!

Bring her back to me, place her on my brow, for I am her father, Ra Horakhety, and I am in need of her.

Render this service to me and I shall make offerings to you on the festivals of the month, the sixth day, the half-month, and all the other festivals appropriate to you, Oh Reckoner of Months, of Days, of Hours.

Bring her to me and you shall receive a thousand loaves of bread, a thousand jugs of beer, a thousand cuts of beef and fowl, and all other things good and pure on which a god lives.

[lav-and-roses-answeringquestions]

The Mousai

After doing a lot of research, divining, and asking questions to everyone, I finally felt ready enough to reach forward to the Mousai!

Z20.2 PORTRAITS OF THE NINE MUSES The nine circles of this mosaic contain portraits of the nine Muses. The goddesses and their attributes from the top left to the bottom right are Calliope with a scroll, Euterpe with a flute, Thalia with a comic mask, Melpomene with a tragic mask, Terpsichore with a lyre, Erato with a cithara, Clio with a writing block, Urania with a globe, and Polyhymnia without an attribute.

I was definitely afraid that this was blaspheming God with this doing this. That this was the final nail in the coffin. I was agonizing forever on this one, even with reassurance from Lady Sophia and Our Holy Mother.

It wasn't until I cried out for a sign in my room that Big J himself said in my ear that no matter what he'd still love me. I actually cried then, scrunching up my covers and sobbing. My tears seemed to wash away my worries- or rather his words did. I told you all before how much of a Big Brother Lord Jesus is, but I never cried like that before him and felt his arms just circle me in an embrace like that.

It was such an amazing feeling! Which is why I'm feeling a lot more confident to put this down!

Now onto the Mousai below the cut!

The Mousai, more readily known as the Muses are the goddesses of music, poetry and inspiration in Hellenism. Led by Calliope, their role was expanded to encompass a variety of arts including rhetoric, philosophy, mathematics, geography, history and astronomy. They were also goddesses of knowledge, who remembered all things that had come to pass as daughters of Mnemosyne, who is the Titan Goddess of Memory and creator of language.

Numbered among them are:

Calliope: Goddess of Epic poetry and eloquence. The mother of the poet Orpheus and the leader of the Mousai. Her name means "Beautiful voiced" from the Greek words kallos and ops.

Clio: Goddess of History. Her name means "To make famous" or "celebrate." from the Greek verb kleô. As a history nerd, I thank her greatly.

Erato: Goddess of erotic poetry. Her name means "lovely" or "beloved" from the Greek word eratos.

Euterpe: Goddess of Lyric poetry. Her name was derived from the Greek words eu- and terpô, meaning "giver of much delight." She might explain where I get all my sudden bursts of inspiration for song lyrics throughout the day!

Polyhymnia: Goddess of Hymns. Her name was derived from the Greek words poly- "many" and hymnos "praise" or "hymn." Invoking her with my hymns and prayers helps me a lot! Same thing with making devotional playlists!

Urania: The Goddess of astronomy and astrology... and mathematics. Definitely mathematics! Praying to her and Lady Sophia for discernment has helped my Pre-Calc grade more than anything else! Her name means: ”Heavenly" or "of heaven".

Thalia: Goddess of Comedy. Her name was derived from the Greek word thaleia meaning "rich festivity" or "blooming." I see myself as a (hopefully) funny person so, I can thank her and My Heavenly Mother for that!

Melpomene: Goddess of Tragedy. Her name was derived from the Greek verb melpô or melpomai meaning "to celebrate with dance and song." She's also the mother of the Sirens! Definitely have been getting inspired by her with my track record for putting my darling ocs through the wringer. Suffering builds character I'm afraid.

Terpsichore: The Goddess of choral song and dance. Her name means "Delighting in Dance" from the Greek words terpsis "to delight" and khoros "dance". While I haven't sung in a choir in a while, I still appreciate how so many people coming together for a common goal can sound heavenly.

If I could describe what I think these Inspirers of Poetic Thought are in a few simple words, I would say that they are, like My Holy Mother and Lady Sophia and Jesus and the Archangels, are Emanations of a large deity- God, that is everything, everywhere all at once. They mix and intersect into each other's domains sometimes while still being their own individuals, but all come from the same source above all. The one that created and is the universe and all living things. The one who slumbers as creation. Our Heaven Father. Khaos. God. It's all the same at the end of the day to me at least. Divine offshoots created from a single unifying source.

I'll send more stuff in the future and try to update more often so don't be spooked if I pop up from time to time! Promise!

[artcrystals]

The Nine Muses

Polyhymnia, Goddess of Sacred Poetry

(fan design, ofc)

[khaire-traveler]

Offering Ideas for the Muses

~ Since I don't see many posts on this topic, I've also included common "general" traditional offerings to the Greek pantheon. I did my best to come up with unique but simple ideas; I wanted to include things that most people could likely offer or do. I hope this list is helpful to someone. ~

Kalliope - Your favorite poetry, poetry books, poetry you wrote, musical instruments, writings you're proud of, devotional writing to her, a handmade scroll with your writing, your favorite pen/pencil, a quill, clay objects (especially tablets), gifts from your siblings (if applicable), imagery of Orpheus, lyre imagery, golden crown imagery. General: Imagery of here, incense (frankincense, patchouli, citrus, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, baked goods, wine, rosemary, Orphic Hymn 0 or 75 (can be given to any Muse, but I'll only list it here since Kalliope is thought to be the mother of Orpheus).

Kleio - Any historical or historical fiction books you enjoy, your favorite books (any genre), school notes about history (if applicable), a list of lessons you've learned from the past, a letter of how the past has helped you grow, setting time aside to learn history (anything that interests you), learning about ancient Greece, your favorite bookmark (especially one you frequently use), your favorite quotes. General: Imagery of her, incense (frankincense, patchouli, lavender, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Ourania - Star maps, globes, maps of Earth, compasses, dream journals, telescopes, glow-in-the-dark stars, your favorite books about the universe, sci-fi books/shows, seeking knowledge about the unknown, your own art of the stars or space, your own sci-fi writings, solar system imagery, space/star imagery, imagery of your favorite constellation, General: Imagery of her, incense (patchouli, lavender, rosemary, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Thaleia - A list of your favorite jokes, a joke book, ivy leaves, an ivy wreath, funny stories/memories from your life, jokes you've written, your favorite comical musical/play/movie/etc., confetti, streamers, a shepherd's (or wooden) staff, comical masks, smiley faces, blooming flowers, sheep imagery, comedy mask imagery. General: Imagery of her, incense (patchouli, rosemary, strawberry, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Melpomene - Ivy leaves, an ivy wreath, serious/somber poetry, "vent" art, your favorite tragic musicals/plays/movies/etc., tragic stories you've written, symbols of inner strength/perseverance (whatever that looks like to you), stories about overcoming/growth, therapeutic journaling (I recommend doing this with professional assistance), tragic/sad masks, siren imagery, sword imagery, boot imagery, tragedy mask imagery. General: Imagery of her, incense (frankincense, lavender, cedar, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Polymnia - Meditation (if applicable), devotional writings you've written, your favorite hymns/devotional poems, laurel leaves, lustral water, self-made hymns, devotional writings about her, burning non-toxic offerings, fire, prayer journal, imagery of Mount Olympus, imagery of animals you associate with "divine connection" (maybe doves, stags, owls, etc.), imagery of anything you associate with "divine connection" (hands in a praying position, the stars or sky, nature, etc.). General: Imagery of her, incense (rosemary, myrrh, patchouli, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Erato - Smut fanfic (that's right, I'll say it), written erotica, your own erotic writing, love letters you've written or received, erotic poetry, setting aside time to explore your, er, "interests", red or pink flowers, jewelry/perfume that makes you feel attractive, sex-positive journaling, basil, myrtle, lyre imagery, sexual imagery, anything you associate with passion/erotica. General: Imagery of her, incense (rosemary, rose, amber, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Euterpe - Your favorite poetry, your own poetry, poetry books, sharing your poetry with others, relaxing/calming tea, media that brings you comfort (watching a movie with her, giving her a DVD of your comfort movie, your favorite book, etc.), the lyrics to your favorite songs, imagery of animals/objects that have symbolic meaning to you, imagery of double flutes. General: Imagery of her, incense (patchouli, lavender, myrrh, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

Terpsikhore - Musical instruments, dancing in honor of her, songs you've written, a devotional playlist, your favorite song lyrics, setting aside time to simply listen to music, your favorite musicals, expressing yourself through song/dance, picks for instruments (guitar picks, lyre plectrums, etc.), sheet music, supporting local/small musicians, learning to play an instrument, lyre imagery, songbird imagery (or any animal you associate with music). General: Imagery of her, incense (patchouli, citrus, strawberry, etc.), olive oil, olive branch, honey, water, wine, baked goods, rosemary.

[ofmovementandjoyfulness]

Apollon Musagète

Tiler Peck as Terpsichore (NYCB)

[hermeneutas]

Outros Deuses e Seus Epítetos - As Musas

Olá philoi!

Continuamos nossa série de posts dedicados a falar um pouco sobre os epítetos, culto e aspectos relevantes sobre várias deidades com, dessa vez, um grupo de Deusas bastante relevantes para a tradição cultural helênica: As Musas!

Descritas como as inspiradoras dos poetas, pensadores, historiadores e escritores em geral, as Musas são as patronas de toda sorte de arte antiga. É dito que Pitágoras fazia oferendas de bois quando fazia alguma descoberta na geometria e que poetas antigos faziam oferendas a ela antes de iniciarem suas canções. Vemos invocações às Musas dos mais variados autores e poetas, até a atualidade.

Mais comumente as vemos agrupadas em nove, sendo estas referidas na mitologia como as filhas de Zeus, Rei dos Deuses, e de Mnemósine, a Deusa-titã das memórias e inventora das palavras.

Menos comumente, vemos outros agrupamento de Musas, algumas descritas como filhas de Apolo, outras sendo ainda mais antigas que as filhas de Zeus, sendo filhas de Urano, os Céus, e Gaia, a Terra.

Por fim, seguimos detalhando seus epítetos, nomes e descritores mais comuns em seguida.

Os locais mais comuns de culto às Musas que temos em registro concerne o Monte Hélicon na Beócia e a Piéria, na Macedônia. Ambas regiões icônicas associadas a mitos de seu nascimento que continham templos para as Musas no passado.

Antes de focarmos em seus epítetos, visto que se trata de um coletivo de deidades, focaremos em seus nomes.

As Nove Musas da Piéria (Filhas de Zeus e Mnemósine)

Chamadas de Piéridas (Em grego Πιεριδες, Pierides), estas Musas são as mais conhecidas e representadas em arte. Filhas da união de Zeus e Mnemósine, seus nomes, significado de cada nome e domínios são: Calíope, (Bela Voz) musa da eloquência e poesia épica Euterpe, (Agradável) musa da poesia lírica Tália, (Festividade, Florescer) musa da comédia Melpomene, (Celebrar com música e dança) musa da tragédia Erato, (Amável) musa da poesia erótica e amorosa Polímnia, (Muitos hinos) musa da literatura sacra e hinos religiosos Urânia, (Celestial) musa da astronomia e astrologia Clio, (Glória) musa da história Terpsícore, (Que se deleita em dançar) musa da dança e dos corais.

Dentre todas as variações deste grupo de deidades, as Nove Musas da Piéria são tidas como as mais conhecidas e têm domínios individuais assinalados a cada uma. Até a atualidade são representadas em obras artísticas ladeando Apolo, deus da luz e das artes em geral, como suas companheiras, amantes (em diversos mitos) e parceiras de domínio.

Em epíteto também são chamadas de Castálides (da fonte da Castália), Helikonides (do Monte Hélicon) ou Parthenoi Helikoniai (Donzelas do Hélicon).

Os epítetos das Musas são bastante relativos a seu local de culto, percebe-se, sendo também chamadas de Olímpiades (do monte Olimpo), Ilisíades (do rio Ilísio) ou Pegasides (do Pégaso, o cavalo alado dito ter criado as fontes do Hipocrene no Hélicon com seus cascos, onde as Musas residiam).

As Musas Titânides (Filhas de Urano e Gaia)

Um agrupamento de Musas descrito pelo antigo poeta espartano Álcman e tardiamente por outros escritores como os romanos Pausânias e Cícero. Seu número entretanto varia entre 3 - 4 Deusas, mas não há consenso geral. Segue abaixo os nomes destas Deusas das artes.

Meletê (Prática) / Mneme (Memória) / Aoide (Canção) / Arkhê (Começo) / Thelxinoe (Encantadora de Mentes)

Autores diferentes agrupavam as filhas de Urano e Gaia entre os nomes acima, sendo válido ressaltar que os fragmentos que relatam os nomes destas Musas Titânides são tão antigos quanto o século 7 AEC (Antes da Era Comum), em torno de um século ou dois após a morte de Hesíodo e Homero.

As Musas Apolônidas (Filhas de Apolo)

Um terceiro agrupamento de Musas também era cultuado na antiguidade, particularmente em Delfos. Estas Deusas das artes seriam filhas do Deus olimpiano da luz, sem mãe atestada nos relatos antigos. Seus nomes vêm em duas variações, seguindo abaixo.

Cêfiso (Do rio Cêfiso) / Apolônis (de Apolo) / Borístenis ([?] + Força)

As três eram chamadas por nomes referentes às notas da lira:

Nete (Nota mais baixa da lira) / Mêse (Nota média da lira) / Hípate (Nota alta da lira)

Independendo de qual grupo de Musas, a todas elas são atreladas o domínio sobre as artes, conhecimento e inspiração para diversos processos onde a mente e a criatividade se enlaçam. Para nossa espiritualidade helênica, sua presença é indispensável, visto que o culto e celebração se fazem usufruindo das artes das Musas - cantando, alegrando-se em hinos e louvores que invocam os Theoi.

É interessante analisar, de um ponto de vista moderno, que as Nove Musas em especial sejam filhas da Memória (Mnemósine) e sejam diretamente atreladas a razão pelas quais muito da cultura helênica antiga chegou a nós. As artes, histórias, poesia e hinos nos informam e educam sobre muito das divindades, sendo um componente essencial na espiritualidade e no ethos helênico.

No mais, as Musas são deidades imprescindíveis e com um domínio vasto. Que Elas continuem a nos inspirar e insuflar as belas artes no âmago de nossos corações. Encerremos o post com seu hino homérico, traduzido por Rafael Brunhara.

Que pelas Musas eu comece e por Apolo e Zeus. Pelas Musas e pelo flechicerteiro Apolo homens aedos sobre a terra há e citaredos e por Zeus reis. Feliz quem as Musas amam: doce lhes flui da boca a voz. Salve, filhas de Zeus, e honrai minha canção Depois eu vos lembrarei também em outra canção.