Once upon a time, Zeus spent nine consecutive nights with Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory, giving birth to the nine Muses: Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, Urania, Calliope, and Clio. These Muses inspired countless poets and artists, including Shakespeare and Milton, who invoked their divine influence in their works. The tradition of calling upon the Muses dates back to Homer’s Iliad, where he likely invoked Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry. The Muses resided on Mount Olympus, delighting the gods with their songs and dances, often accompanied by Apollo’s lyre. Their influence extended beyond art, touching on history, eloquence, and even foreseeing the future.
Key quotes:
- "At the opening of his Henry V, Shakespeare refers to the 'Muse of fire,' and Milton beseeches the 'Heav’nly Muse' to sing at the beginning of his Paradise Lost. By invoking a muse at the opening of their works, Shakespeare and Milton carried on a centuries-old custom."
- "In the Iliad, Homer describes the Muses singing in response to each other’s songs while Apollo plays his lyre, entertaining the gods during their feast."
- "In his Theogony, Hesiod describes a conversation with the Muses where they bestow upon him their divine voice, enabling him to exalt the gods and their progeny."
- "In his Metamorphoses, Antoninus Liberalis recounts the daughters of Pierus challenging the Muses in song, only to be transformed into birds as punishment for their audacity."
- "Valerius Flaccus acknowledges Clio’s power in his Argonautica, writing, 'Clio, do you now reveal the reasons behind the heroes' horrific deeds? You, O Muse, have been granted the ability to see into the minds of the gods and understand the processes that lead to reality.'"
Dive into the fascinating world of the Muses and discover the divine inspiration behind some of the greatest works of art and literature. Tune in now!
For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.
