Ancient Greek mythology is curious about the cult of the gods of Olympus and the veneration of their children, who represent the third generation of exalted beings. Greece was famous for its enlightened minds and artists. Therefore, the muses who inspired creation enjoyed special respect. 9 women, daughters of the supreme god - thunderer, represent a harmonious triad. They personified science, crafts and arts. Each of the muses was necessary for the comprehensive development of the state, the improvement of education and new achievements in all areas.

History of appearance

Initially, the Muses were considered inspirational nymphs. They are able to bestow talent in a particular direction or a tendency to manifest themselves in one form or another of art. Over time, the number of muses has changed. The myth says that each of them is the daughter of Zeus.

The first mention of these creatures tells of Meletus, whose privilege was reflection, Mneme, who is in charge of memory, and Aeda, whose element was the song. The ancient Greek poet Hesiod sang of nine girls, the children of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. According to legend, the girls were born at the foot of Olympus. Beautiful in appearance, they were distinguished by sincerity and demonstrated wonderful talents.

Hesiod said that if the muse decided to endow a mere mortal with talent, she accompanied him from infancy. The girls patronized those who recognized their strength and believed that the talent was not unfounded. Muses prone to insolence were punished. Ancient Greece at first believed in muses favoring the poetic sphere, but later patrons of the exact sciences appeared. Each sister assumed responsibility for the area entrusted to her. They had specific duties and distinctive attributes.

Terpsichore was the muse of dance and choral singing and was often depicted as a dancer with a slight smile. Her head was decorated with a wreath, and in her hands the girl held a lyre and a plectrum. Terpsichore dominated the harmony between the inner and outer, creating a strong and conflict-free relationship between the soul and the human body. Terpsichore is described in literary works as "enjoying round dances".

Herodotus described the appearance of the patroness of music and dance in the fifth book of the Muses cycle. In the work, the historian left descriptions concerning the attitude of the ancient Greeks to various areas of scientific activity, crafts and arts, characterizing the image and perception of muses by compatriots.

Muse of dancing and singing

The dance of the ancient era was based on the strict observance of the rhythm and its combination with the movements of the arms and legs. The myth said that Terpsichore accompanied, teaching mortals to combine the spiritual with the physical. According to her precept, in dance one should take exquisite poses and use aesthetic gestures, reflecting thoughts and mood, creating a harmonious action.

The muse of dance was an important character for the ancient Greeks and a representative of the divine pantheon. The dance was highly valued in the state and was identified by the degree of seriousness with gymnastics. In gymnasiums, there was a separate subject that taught harmonious movement to music.

The biography of Terpsichore is ambiguous. According to some sources, she gave birth to the future singer Lin, and according to others, in alliance with the god of the river Aheloy, she gave birth to sirens. Alternative versions report that Lin is the son of Urania, and the sirens are daughters.

Terpsichore is associated with, paying attention to the fact that she is often depicted with ivy, which was a symbol of the god of winemaking.

There is evidence that the Pythagorean school had a temple where Pythagoras taught his students. Terpsichore, Erato and Thalia, patronesses of the physical principle, elements, flora and fauna, were sung here.

Contrary to popular belief, the patroness of dancing and singing was invented by the ancient Greeks not in the name of entertainment. Ancient inhabitants believed that dance is an action aimed at contemplating and understanding nature, in which its own laws of movement reign. Terpsichore advised in entertaining dances at weddings and taught to convey emotions and a subtle connection with the culture of her native country and nature through movement. Dance was perceived as a harmonious movement of the soul and body in symbiosis. The Greeks knew how to hear and listen to music and associated it with the heartbeat. The lack of talent did not allow everyone to realize themselves in this direction.

Screen adaptations

The Muses are considered minor characters in the ancient Greek pantheon. The image of Terpsichore is rarely used in cinema, but references to it and the use of her name are common. The muse is mentioned in documentaries describing research in the field of mythology and theology, as well as in feature films dedicated to the art of music and dance.

Released in 1995, the film "Prisoners of Terpsichore" is a vivid example of the mention of the name of the muse in the cinema. This is a Russian-made ballet film that describes the interaction of a teacher - Professor Sakharova and soloist Balakhnicheva. The dramatic plot tells about the period of training of the dancer of the Kremlin ballet, inspiration and a difficult path made thanks to talent, diligence and love for the art of dance.

- (Greek). One of the 9 muses, the patroness of dancing and singing, depicted with a lyre in her hands. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. TERPSIKHORA Greek, from terpo, delight, console, and chores, chorus, dance. Music… … Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

In Greek mythology, Terpsichore is one of the nine muses, the patroness of dances; in figurative speech - ballerina, ballet. Encyclopedic Dictionary of winged words and expressions. Moscow: Locky Press. Vadim Serov. 2003. Terpsichore ... Dictionary of winged words and expressions

- (Terpsichore, Τερψιχόρη). Muse of dances with a lyre in her hands. See Muses. (Source: “A Concise Dictionary of Mythology and Antiquities”. M. Korsh. St. Petersburg, edition of A. S. Suvorin, 1894.) TERPSIKHORA (Τερψιχόρα), in Greek mythology, the muse of dance (Hes. Theog. ... ... Encyclopedia of mythology

Terpsichore- Terpsichore. Roman marble copy after a Greek original of the 3rd-2nd centuries. BC. Hermitage Museum. TERPSIKHORA, in Greek mythology, one of the 9 muses, the patroness of dances. … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Terpsichore- Terpsichore. Roman marble copy after a Greek original of the 3rd-2nd centuries. BC. Hermitage Museum. Terpsichore. Roman marble copy after a Greek original of the 3rd-2nd centuries. BC. Hermitage Museum. Terpsichore in the myths of the ancient Greeks is one of the nine muses, the patroness of dances; ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary "World History"

Muse of dance and singing Dictionary of Russian synonyms. terpsichore n., number of synonyms: 5 asteroid (579) muse ... Synonym dictionary

In Greek mythology, one of the 9 muses, the patroness of dancing ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

In the myths of the ancient Greeks, one of the nine muses, the patroness of dances; portrayed with a lyre and a plectrum in her hands ... Historical dictionary

- (inosk.) dancer (a hint at Terpsichore, the muse of dances). Wed Will I see the Russian Terpsichore Soul filled flight? A. S. Pushkin. Evg. ONEGIN. 1, 19. See Muse ... Michelson's Big Explanatory Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)

- (Teryukora) one of the nine muses. Later she became a musician and choral singer. Depicted as a young girl with a smiling face, adorned with a wreath and holding a lyre in one hand, and a plectrum in another ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Books

• Story. In 2 parts. Part 1
• Story. In 2 parts. Part 2, Herodotus. In the history of not only Hellenic, but European education in general, Herodotus occupies an outstanding place. His work "History" is the first fully preserved historical and in general ...

Hellas gave the world not only fascinating myths about gods and heroes. The Muses of Ancient Greece, these images of the daughters of Zeus, have long been associated with art, inspiration, insight, dreams and bright moments. Each of them was endowed with special features and attributes, they were turned to for blessings and opened temples in honor of the muses. What were these nine muses and what trace did they leave in world culture?

Muses of Ancient Greece. Artist Yannis Stefanidis www.art-book.gr/

9 Muses of Ancient Greece

As the Greeks believed, each of the most important areas of life has its patroness. And since their mother was Mnemosyne, who personified memory, "muse" is translated as "thinking." And the mountains (Helikon or Parnassus) with transparent springs and shady forests were certainly the habitat of the nine muses. Here they danced to the sounds of the lyre of the god Apollo. It is this story that can often be seen both in ancient frescoes and on the canvases of European artists who were inspired by Greek mythology.

Muse Kalliopi

Calliope (Καλλιόπη) patronized epic poetry and rhetoric and was considered the most noble of the muses. She was quite often depicted in a dreamy pose with a stylus (writing stick) and tablets, or with a scroll.

Calliope was often perceived by the Greeks as the main of all the muses - it was not for nothing that her head was decorated with a laurel or golden wreath. This muse symbolized love for their land, so the warriors who went into battle took her images with them. Able to speak fiery speeches and distinguished by her eloquence, Calliope instantly aroused heroism and a sense of sacrifice in a person.

According to some sources, Calliope was considered a virgin, according to other versions, she was the mother of Orpheus, Lina or Iolem from Apollo. Some even claimed that Homer was her son.

Euterpe (Ευτέρπη) was considered the muse of lyric poetry and music, which was often depicted in the company of forest nymphs. She was called the Giver of Pleasure.

Among other muses, she stood out for her sophistication and femininity, and the gods could enjoy her poems endlessly. Euterpe's attributes were the musical instruments syringa and aulos (the progenitors of the flute and oboe), as well as a flower wreath.

From the union of Euterpe and the river god Strymon, the hero Rhysos was born. He commanded a detachment of the Thracians in the Trojan War and was killed by Diomedes, as described in Homer's Iliad.

One of the most famous muses, whose name is familiar to everyone, is Melpomene (Μελπομένη). She was not only the patroness of tragedy, but also the mother of the owners of charming voices who challenged the muses and quite expectedly lost - the gods turned them into sirens.

Then Melpomene, regretting the fate of her daughters, forever acquired her attributes: a tragic mask, a theatrical mantle and a sword as a reminder of the inevitability of punishment for those who violate the will of the gods.

Melpomene, along with other muses, accompanied Apollo. She is considered the creator of the varvitos, an ancient lyre-type stringed instrument. Through catastrophes and failures, the muse knew tragedy from all sides, but always in tragedy the triumph of the human spirit is born, which Melpomene shows to people.

As the opposite of Melpomene - Waist (Θάλεια). This muse of comedy was portrayed with a comic mask. Unlike her sister, she was characterized by optimism and a light disposition, which caused quarrels with Melpomene, and she was closest to Terpsichore.

There is a widespread interpretation that the mask in Thalia's hand symbolized laughter. But more and more often there are versions that the masks of this muse and Melpomene meant the acting of a person in the theater of the gods. Thalia was considered the deity of good mood and fun.

As for the music Erato (Ερατώ), she patronized lyric or love poetry, and was also the protector of love and marriage.

Erato inspired poets to create romantic works, and her invariable attributes were the tambourine and lyre. Often she was depicted completely naked.

As a symbol of eternal love, roses adorn the head. Inspired by Erato, poets and musicians created such works that any couple in love who heard them immediately felt the desire to be together forever.

And here Polyhymnia (Πολύμνια) in mythology was considered the muse of pantomime and hymns. She patronized the study of oratory and the writing of hymns. Hence the most ancient interpretation of her name: πολύ + ύμνος . It was to her that the ancient world was grateful for the ritual dances and songs that glorified the Olympic gods, and it was by her will that the orator's speech became fiery.

This muse was always represented as serious, immersed in thought, sometimes with a finger pressed to her lips in a call for silence. Later version of her name πολύ + μνεία meant help in learning, in memorization, that is, here she approaches Mnemosyne.

With faith in the power of Polyhymnia, the Greeks went to important performances - it was only necessary to call her in advance so that the muse had time to endow the person with the necessary oratorical qualities. Sometimes Polyhymnia was also considered the muse of geometry, meditation and agriculture.

Muse Terpsichore (Τερψιχόρη), in turn, was "responsible" for choral singing and dancing. She was often depicted playing the lyre or in the pose of a dancer.

It is believed that the art of Terpsichore symbolized the unity of spiritual impulses, natural principles and body movements. It was the expression of the complete unity of man and nature that was the main goal of the dances. If a dancer wanted to learn to move to the rhythm of his heart, he immediately called Terpsichore for help.

In mythology, the patroness of history was Clio (Κλειώ), which was depicted with a spiritualized and thoughtful face. In her hands she held either a papyrus scroll or a scroll box. Clio's head was decorated with a laurel wreath - a symbol of nobility. Often she was depicted with an hourglass or with a bugle, which she blew to announce some glorious event.

The muse inspired a love for the past and history, which has always been valuable to the Greeks. Clio brought even the smallest events into her scrolls - nothing escaped her attention and was not forgotten. She was responsible for the accuracy of the description of events both orally and in writing.

Somehow, Clio allowed herself irony about Aphrodite's feelings for Adonis, in retaliation for this, she sent a passion for the hero Pier (on his behalf - the Greek region of Pieria) to Clio. As a result of this relationship, Clio had a son, Iakinf.

Another, ninth, muse - Urania (Ουρανία). This muse patronized astronomy and astrology and was one of the wisest daughters of Zeus. In her hands she always had a compass to determine the distances between the stars and a globe.

Moreover, the Greeks considered Urania the patroness of other sciences as well. It is interesting that this muse, among the others, did not patronize art, and therefore symbolized the complete harmony of music, poetry and the celestial spheres - one is impossible without the other. Often, Urania was credited with the qualities of a soothsayer.

The place of residence of Urania was the celestial sphere, the sky - ουρανός.

Worship of the Muses in culture

The muses of ancient Greece, although they were a figment of the imagination, made a very real contribution to world culture. Suffice it to recall how many poems and poems were dedicated to them, not to mention the very name "Muse", which has become a household name. Among the poets who sang of them were Byron, Yesenin, Fet, Pushkin and, of course, Homer. In honor of them, museums were built - temples that concentrated the artistic and cultural life of Greece. The Alexandria museum became the most famous, and later this word gave rise to the name "museum".

The Muses inspired famous artists who portrayed them the way they imagined them. For example, Gustave Moreau transferred the images of the muses to the canvas “Apollo and the 9 Muses”, in which the girls soar carelessly behind the seated Apollo. Also, Jean-Marc Nattier in the film "Thalia" and Eustache Lesueur in the film "Muses" addressed the images of the muses. Andrea Appiani depicted the Muses on Parnassus dancing to the lyre of Apollo. The sculpture also embodies many images of muses. In addition to Greece itself, their statues can be seen in the Hermitage, and the most valuable sarcophagus with bas-reliefs of muses is exhibited in the Louvre.

Muse of dance in Greek mythology. Considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. A popular image and symbol in art. According to Diodorus, she got her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of the audience by the benefits that are in art.

Among the other nine muses, the daughter of Zeus and the Titanides Mnemosyne. Sister Calliope - muses of epic poetry; Clio - the muses of history; Melpomene - the muses of tragedy; Waists are the muses of comedy; Polyhymnia - muses of sacred hymns; Euterpes - muses of poetry and lyrics; Erato - the muses of love and wedding poetry; Urania - the muses of science. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (ouranos) of those who comprehended her art.

Her epithet is "enjoying round dances." Depicted as a young woman with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre. Terpsichore appears in a simple tunic with a lyre in her hands, on her head a wreath of ivy.

This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her the attribute of this god - ivy (as the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore says).

According to one of the legends, Terpsichore gave birth to sirens from the god of the river Aheloy (as an option: the sirens are the children of Melpomene). According to another myth, Terpsichore is the mother of the singer Lina (as an option: his mother is Urania).

The Russian band Spleen dedicated an entire song to Terpsichore. The asteroid (81) Terpsichore, discovered in 1864, is named after the muse. There is a mention of the muse in the first chapter of Eugene Onegin by Pushkin.

My goddesses! what do you? Where are you?

Hear my sad voice:

Are you all the same? other le maidens,

Replacing, did not replace you?

Will I hear your choruses again?

Will I see the Russian Terpsichore

Soul filled flight?

Terpsichore as portrayed by artists

Francois Boucher, French painter. "Terpsichore".

Very often in our life there are such phrases as: “the muse visited”, “the muse of poetry” and many others in which the word muse is mentioned. However, what does it mean? This concept comes from ancient mythology. The Greek Muses are the nine sisters, patrons of the arts and sciences. They are the daughters of Zeus himself and each of them has their own unique divine powers. Let's look at them in more detail.

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So, as mentioned earlier, the Muses are the daughters of Zeus and the Titanides Mnemosyne, who is the goddess of memory. The very word muses (muses) comes from the Greek word for “thinking”. The Muses were usually portrayed as young and beautiful women. They possessed a prophetic gift and favorably treated creative people: poets, artists, artists, encouraging and helping them in their activities in every possible way. However, for special offenses, the muses could deprive a person of inspiration. To prevent this from happening, the ancient Greeks built special temples in honor of the muses, which were called museions. It is from this word that the word "museum" comes from. The patron of the Muses themselves was the god Apollo. Let's now look at each of the muses in more detail.

Muse Calliope - muse of epic poetry

The name of this muse from Greek can be translated as "having a beautiful voice." According to Diodorus, this name arose at the moment when the “beautiful word” (kalen opa) was uttered. She is the eldest daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne.

Calliope is the mother of Orpheus, the muse of heroic poetry and eloquence. It evokes a sense of sacrifice that encourages a person to overcome his selfishness and fear of fate. Calliope wears a golden crown on her forehead - a sign that she dominates other muses, thanks to her ability to introduce a person to the first steps towards his liberation. Calliope was depicted with a waxed tablet or scroll and a slate stick in her hands - a stylus, which was a bronze rod, the pointed end of which was used to write text on a tablet covered with wax. The opposite end was made flat to erase what was written.

Muse Clio - patroness of history

The accompanying attributes of this muse are a scroll of parchment or a tablet - a board with letters. Clio reminds of what a person can achieve, helps to find his destiny.

According to Diodorus, the name comes from the word "Cleos" - "glory". The etymology of the name is “giving glory”. From Pier, the Greek muse Clio had a son, Hyacinthus. Love for Pier was inspired by Aphrodite for condemning her love for Adonis.

Muse of Melpomene - muse of tragedy

In Greek mythology, Melpomene is considered the muse of the tragic genre. The name, according to Diodorus, means "a melody that pleases the listeners." The image is anthropomorphic - it was described as a woman with a bandage, grape or ivy wreath on her head. It always has permanent paraphernalia in the form of a tragic mask, sword or club. The weapon carries the symbolism of the inevitability of divine punishment.

Melpomene is the mother of sirens - sea creatures who personified a deceptive but charming sea surface, under which sharp cliffs or shallows are hidden. From their mother muse, the sirens inherited the divine voice with which they lured sailors.

Muse Thalia - muse of comedy

Thalia or, in another version, Phalia - in Greek mythology, the muse of comedy and light poetry, the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Depicted with a comic mask in her hands and a wreath of ivy on her head.

From Thalia and Apollo were born Corybantes - the mythical predecessors of the priests of Cybele or Rhea in Phrygia, in wild enthusiasm, with music and dances, serving the great mother of the gods. According to Diodorus, she received her name from prosperity (thallein) glorified in poetic works for many years.

Zeus, turning into a kite, took Thalia as his wife. Out of fear of Hera's jealousy, the muse hid in the bowels of the earth, where demonic creatures were born from her - sticks (in this myth she is called the nymph of Etna).

Muse Polyhymnia - muse of solemn hymns

Polyhymnia is the muse of solemn hymns in Greek mythology. According to Diodorus, she got her name from the creation by many praises (diapolles chimneseos) of fame to those whose name poetry immortalized with glory. She patronizes hymn writers. It is believed that she keeps in memory all the hymns, songs and ritual dances that praise the Olympian gods, it is also believed that she invented the lyre.

Polyhymnia is often depicted with a scroll in her hands, in a thoughtful pose. Polyhymnia patronizes the study of rhetoric and oratory by people, which turns the orator into an instrument of truth. She personifies the power of speech and makes a person's speech life-giving. Polyhymnia helps to recognize the mystery of the word as a real power, with which you can inspire and revive, but at the same time hurt and kill. This power of speech is inspiring on the path to truth.

Muse Terpsichore - muse of dance

Terpsichore is the muse of dance. According to Diodorus, she got her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of the audience by the benefits that are in art. Tsets also calls her name among the Muses. Considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. Depicted as a young woman, with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre.

Characteristic attributes: a wreath on the head; in one hand she held a lyre, and in the other a plectrum. This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her the attribute of this god - ivy (as the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore says).

Muse Urania - muse of astronomy

Urania is the muse of astronomy. The attributes of Urania were: a celestial globe and a compass. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (ouranos) of those who comprehended her art. According to one version, Urania is the mother of Hymen.

Urania personifies the power of contemplation, she calls us to leave the external chaos in which a person exists and plunge into the contemplation of the majestic run of the stars, which is a reflection of fate. This is the power of knowledge, the power that draws to the mysterious, draws to the high and beautiful - to the Sky and the Stars.

Muse of Euterpe - muse of lyric poetry

Euterpe (ancient Greek Εὐτέρπη "entertaining") - in Greek mythology, one of the nine muses, the daughters of Zeus and the Titanides Mnemosyne, the muse of lyrical poetry and music. Depicted with a lyre or flute in her hands.

Mother of Res by the river god Strymon. According to the etymology of Diodora, she received her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of listeners who receive the benefits of education. Tsets also calls her name among the Muses.

Muse Erato - muse of love poetry

Erato is the muse of lyrical and love poetry. Her name is derived from the name of the god of love Eros. According to Diodorus, she received the name in honor of the ability to be “eperasta” (desired for love and passion).

She was born as a result of the union of Mnemosyne and Zeus. From Mala Erato gave birth to Cleophema. The attribute of the muse is cithara. This divine heroine of Greek mythology is often mentioned in the legends of the Hellenes.

In addition, Virgil and Apollonius of Rhodes resort to the symbolism associated with the image of the Greek muse Erato in their works. She knows how to breathe into the soul love for everything living with her art to transform everything into beauty, hidden beyond the physical.

According to Wikipedia

Today I saw the Muse, patron of the art of Dance. The ancient Greeks called her Terpsichore, and this very name bears the imprint of rhythm and harmony...
But no one pronounces this name anymore, and no one is engaged in art anymore. All aspects of our lives are marked by signs of decay, and the throne of the Muse of the Dance was also seized by a cult of decadence and degeneration, when the dance mask was put on clumsy body movements that imitate animal instincts.
Terpsichore and dance were not invented by the ancient Greeks for entertainment and pastime. Muse and dance are the result of a thoughtful contemplation of Nature, where everything moves in rhythm according to unwritten laws.
To understand the spirit of the dance, it is enough to immerse yourself in the rustle of dense foliage. Without leaving the branches, the leaves dance and sing, giving birth to a symphony of green hues that enchants the eye and ear. It is enough to sit on the seashore for a minute, turning your face to it, and surrender to the will of the tireless rhythm with which the waves run ashore. It is enough to trace the flight of a bird or a falling leaf in autumn. Just look at how the clouds dance in the sky, taking thousands of fantastic forms in turn. In the end, it is enough just to be able to read that open book, the pages of which life flips before us every day, but in which we value - and even then not always - only the cover.
If the eyes cannot see, then the body cannot dance. The piece of matter that we call the body only tosses and writhes, as if in painful convulsions, and does not move in a harmonious rhythm. What remains is a being who unfeignedly craves carnal satisfaction, and not the spiritual enjoyment of beauty.
If the eyes do not see, then there are no sounds to compose music from them. If beautiful melodies sounded, they would awaken in our body the desire to move in time with them, in harmony and in proportion. But we are surrounded by screaming, aggressive music built on dissonances, or cloyingly sugary and slyly tender, and the lyrics are clearly dictated by a degenerate fashion or political system, which is also popular today.
Behind all this tinsel, the truth is not visible. And it lies in the fact that the dance has died, and its death is the victory of materialism, which promises a false freedom that will never be achieved for the simple reason that it does not exist in those worlds where they are trying to find it. This false freedom is promised by the slogan "do whatever you want, but it will be my way." Or "be more relaxed" - following the imposed fashion. You are obliged to recognize as beautiful that which causes disgust, and, closing your eyes, madly spin and jump, trampling the very memory of the sacred Muse of rhythm and harmony. Amid all the falseness and meaninglessness of words, young people are not only hopelessly far from being able to dance; in their leaps and bodily slovenliness they have become so low and degraded that they completely forgot the grace and grace of movement.
And I called out to Terpsichore. This call was born in the depths of my soul and broke out with force.
And she came to me. Every movement of the Muse breathed a grace that clothes could not hide. She walked through time, and her procession was a dance whose movements were music itself. No, Terpsichore is not dead, because beauty never dies. I thought that no one would notice her presence, but everything True is immutable ... The vision was fleeting, but at that moment time and space lost their frightening absoluteness, and fashion bashfully looked down in the face of what was forever, is and will be.
Only for a moment the Muse of the Dance was among us. No one knows her name anymore and will not remember the art that she patronizes, But in someone's wretched body a vague longing has awakened. It lost its wings long ago and can no longer fly or walk. And it can only raise its gaze to a fleeting vision, and the soul implores it to become again the same as before.
After all, the soul knows how to dance. It lives in each of us, and it all depends on how much we fetter it ourselves. If the soul is trembling, the Greeks called it the name of grace and harmony, Terpsichore. And if she cries, what shall we call her?

In ancient Greece, not only the gods who made up the host were revered, but also their children, the deities of the third generation of Olympians. Greece was an enlightened country: the sages, scientists, philosophers of antiquity left a deep mark on the history of the whole world. It is noteworthy that the muses in Greece did not always mean a symbol of inspiration for the beautiful: music, love, poetry.

The nine daughters of the father of the gods Zeus clearly demonstrate the triad: a symbol of absolute harmony. They combined three types: science, handicraft and real art. The triad is symbolic in Greece, where poetry was as highly valued as the ability to read the stars.

Sages and philosophers rightly believed that each of the muses is necessary for prosperity.

Calliope was the mother of Orpheus, from her son inherited the ability to feel music. The mother taught her son that every word in poetry should bring the soul of a fallen hero back to life, inspire faith and nurture nobility. The scroll and slate in her hands were not just symbols. Young warriors leaving for battle could swear that they could hear Calliope writing a new work.

The Greeks considered Calliope the queen of all the muses, No wonder she has a crowned crown or a laurel wreath on her head. Apollo himself did not dare to interrupt the Queen of the Muses when she spoke fiery speeches about the honor, nobility, courage and purity of the soul of a true warrior. The muse can be considered a symbol of love for one's Motherland, one's land. Therefore, at one time the Greeks ordered miniature images of Calliope before distant wanderings. They say that Pallas herself gave such a miniature to her beloved Odysseus so that his heart would always be filled with purity of thoughts and the desire to return to his native shores.

The ancient Greek historian and keeper of mythology Diodorus wrote about her: “The greatest of muses inspires love for the past”. History is priceless for any nation, and especially for the people of Greece. Clio, it was believed, wrote down on her scrolls every, even an insignificant event, so that none of the descendants would forget their past.

The mythology describes the conflict between the muse and the beautiful Aphrodite. The muse of history had strict morals, but she never knew love. Aphrodite, being the wife of the god Hephaestus, had tender feelings for the young Dionysus. The implacable muse condemned the goddess for her love for a mortal. Aphrodite ordered her little son Eros to shoot two arrows: one, kindling love, in Clio, and the second, killing feelings, in Pieron. Suffering from unrequited love enlightened the muse; Clio no longer dared to judge anyone for feelings.

Being engaged in the study of history, we compiled, in which we tried to take into account all the features of each of the gods.

According to the myths, Clio was friendly with Calliope, which is understandable: the muse of patriotism is inseparable from the muse of history. They were portrayed in almost the same way, often the Greeks ordered busts of these muses from only one master.

Melpomene is not only the muse of tragedy, as symbolized by the mournful mask in her right hand. Muse is the mother of the fatal sirens who almost killed the Argonauts. Although according to another version, Terpsichore was the mother of the sirens.

Interestingly, the origin of the sirens is described extremely poorly, as if they appeared from the air. The two daughters of Melpomene had marvelous voices from birth, but pride destroyed them: in the absence of their mother, they challenged the muses and lost. They were punished for this: according to one version, the Thunderer himself turned them into sirens, according to another, turning into birds was the work of Poseidon.

Melpomene vowed to grieve forever for the fate of her daughters and those who dare to go against the will of heaven. He is always depicted in the robes of theatre-goers, with the same mask in his hands. But in the second hand there can be either a sword as a symbol of punishment for disobedience and insolence, or a scroll of parchment. The mantle on it exactly reflects the spirit of Greece of that era: people are toys in the hands of the gods and only take part in the theater of the gods.

Thalia was closest to Melpomene, the muse of tragedies, but she never understood her unconditional faith in the inevitability of punishment. According to Cicero, the Muses often quarreled because of this.

In contrast to her sister, Thalia was portrayed with a comedy mask in her hands and wearing a wreath of plain ivy. The muse never claimed special attention, but she had a cheerful disposition and was distinguished by optimism. According to mythology, it was believed that the comedic mask in her hands was a symbol of laughter, but according to another version, the mask meant about the same as the mask in the hands of Melpomene: the life of people is just a play for the gods.

Thalia was the wife of Apollo, but, according to the myth, she was kidnapped by the Thunderer to make his wife. But the muse knew Hera, the wife of Zeus, and understood what awaited her. Horror made her seek refuge from the lord of the dead world of Hades. The gloomy god hid the muse deep underground.

Euterpe stood out among other muses with a special refinement in the perception of poetry. Her poems could be listened to for hours by the whole host of Olympians, to the quiet accompaniment of the harp of Orpheus. Her attribute is a double flute and a wreath of fresh flowers. She could be depicted surrounded by forest nymphs, according to the records, she became the comforter of the soul of the unfortunate Orpheus after he lost his Eurydice twice.
She was considered the most beautiful of the muses, possessing a special sensuality and femininity.

Erato is always depicted with some kind of cheerful and perky musical instrument: lyre, tambourine. She was glorified by songwriters, calling to inspire inspiration. The head of the muse is decorated with beautiful roses as a symbol of the eternity of love.

Erato has become a symbol of the struggle of true love for their rights. The muse sang that even the dark kingdom of Hades could not separate loving hearts, they were forever connected by a strong thread. Muse became the creator of a new direction in the music of Greece - wedding. Legend has it that charming Erato got bored at one of the weddings. She held out her lyre to the blind musician and whispered something to him.

Magical music sounded in the huge hall, all the lovers present felt an irresistible desire to be together before and after death. The wondrous music spread further and further, and now the muse of Terpsichore is listening to the music, and her chiseled legs are beating a new rhythm of the dance.

Terpsichore is not just the muse of dances, including wedding ones. Dance should express not just emotions, but a special connection with nature, show unity with the culture of their homeland. The dance of Terpsichore is the absolute perfection of the movements of the soul and body. Since ancient times, the Greeks, learning to dance, learned to listen to music and dance to the rhythm of heartbeats. Each dancer wanted to learn the perfect movements of the muse, but this was not given to everyone.

Terpsichore, according to legend, accompanied the god Dionysus everywhere. The god himself was distinguished by the simplicity of the image, so his environment also did not stand out for pomp and pretentiousness. Muse appears in a simple tunic with a lyre in her hands, on her head a wreath of ivy.

Polyhymnia, muse of hymns

Polyhymnia was the patroness of speakers, it was in her will to make the speech fiery and life-giving, or people not to hear the speaker's voice at all. It was believed that it was worth pronouncing the name of the muse before an important performance, Polyhymnia would go down to the supplicant and spend the whole night instructing and inspiring the gift of voice. Without the patronage of the muse of oratory, it is impossible to reach the hearts, none of the Greeks doubted this at all.

Muse of hymns to the gods. This should be understood as the muse of prayers that people send daily to higher powers and their ardor also depends on the will of the daughter of Zeus.

The ninth and wisest of all the daughters of the Thunderer, not counting Athena. It is believed that her name was given to her by her father in honor of Uranus, the god of heaven, long before the appearance of Zeus.

The muse always holds a globe and a compass in her hands. The latter helps her determine the distances between stars. It was she who stood near Piazzi, suggesting to him the discovery of the first asteroid. The Roman did not immediately hear the muse, but the daughter of Zeus always got her way from her ward scientists. The Greeks considered her the patroness of even those sciences that were far from heavenly.
This muse is revered to this day, and everywhere. Even in Russia there is a museum of Urania and in some cities there are full-fledged statues.

The religion of ancient Greece is amazing. It is strikingly different from other religions, causing a growing interest in itself. A journey into their world always leaves a mark in the memory of a person, no matter if he is Greek by origin.

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According to the legends of the ancient Greeks, the muse of dance was called Terpsichore. She had eight sisters. In the summer evenings, they, holding hands, led round dances. On Greek frescoes and vases, sisters - muses hold hands. The dance was closely connected with music, singing, word, game.

Terpsichore (Teryicora) - the muse of dance and choral singing. In Greek mythology, the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, one of the nine muses, the patroness of dance (sometimes choral singing). Depicted as a young woman in the pose of a dancer, with a smile on her face. She had a wreath on her head, in one hand she held a lyre, and in the other a plectrum. She is "enjoying round dances". Muse, reveals to people the harmony between the external and internal, soul and body.
Ancient dance was based on strict observance of rhythm, on a combination of rhythmic step and appropriate hand movements. Dancing was a compulsory subject in gymnasiums. It was believed that Terpsichore, the companion of the god of harmony Apollo, teaches the soul to combine correctly with the body. Postures and movements should be beautiful and harmonious, the dance should reflect the mood of thought and feeling.
The attitude towards dance in Ancient Greece is evidenced by the fact that Terpsichore was included in the pantheon of deities. The Greeks understood dance very broadly, considering it both as gymnastics, a means of healing the body, and as a mimic art.
There is a myth according to which Terpsichore is the mother of the singer Lina (according to another version, his mother is Urania).
According to one version of the myth, Terpsichore gave birth to sirens from the god of the river Aheloy (Apoll. Rhod. IV 892-896; option: the sirens are the children of Melpomene).
This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her the attribute of this god - ivy (as stated in the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore).
There is evidence that a temple dedicated to the Muses existed in the Pythagorean school. In this temple, Pythagoras gave instructions to his students. Terpsichore, Erato and Thalia were in charge of earthly physics, the science of elements, stones, plants and animals.

Terpsichore and dance were not invented by the ancient Greeks for entertainment and pastime. Muse and dance are the result of a thoughtful contemplation of Nature, where everything moves in rhythm according to unwritten laws.

To understand the spirit of the dance, it is enough to immerse yourself in the rustle of dense foliage. Without leaving the branches, the leaves dance and sing, giving birth to a symphony of green hues that enchants the eye and ear. It is enough to sit on the seashore for a minute, turning your face to it, and surrender to the will of the tireless rhythm with which the waves run ashore. It is enough to trace the flight of a bird or a falling leaf in autumn. Just look at how the clouds dance in the sky, taking thousands of fantastic forms in turn. In the end, it is enough just to be able to read that open book, the pages of which life flips before us every day, but in which we value - and even then not always - only the cover.

No, Terpsichore is not dead, because beauty never dies. Yes, perhaps no one will notice her presence, but everything True is immutable....
The Muse of Dance has always been, is and will be among us. True, few people already know her name and the art that she patronizes, but perhaps a vague longing has awakened in someone's body, it has long lost its wings and can no longer fly or step. And it can only raise its gaze to a fleeting vision, and the soul implores it to become again the same as before.
After all, the soul knows how to dance. It lives in each of us, and it all depends on how much we fetter it ourselves. If the soul is trembling, the Greeks called it the name of grace and harmony, that is, Terpsichore.

Very often in our life there are such phrases as: “the muse visited”, “the muse of poetry” and many others in which the word muse is mentioned. However, what does it mean? This concept comes from ancient mythology. The Greek Muses are nine sisters, patrons of the arts and sciences. They are the daughters of Zeus himself and each of them has their own unique divine powers. Let's look at them in more detail.

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So, as mentioned earlier, the Muses are the daughters of Zeus and the Titanides Mnemosyne, who is the goddess of memory. The very word muses (muses) comes from the Greek word for “thinking”. The Muses were usually portrayed as young and beautiful women. They possessed a prophetic gift and favorably treated creative people: poets, artists, artists, encouraging and helping them in their activities in every possible way. However, for special offenses, the muses could deprive a person of inspiration. To prevent this from happening, the ancient Greeks built special temples in honor of the muses, which were called museions. It is from this word that the word “museum” comes from. The patron of the Muses themselves was the god Apollo. Let's now look at each of the muses in more detail.

Muse Calliope - muse of epic poetry

The name of this muse from Greek can be translated as "having a beautiful voice." According to Diodorus, this name arose at the moment when the “beautiful word” (kalen opa) was uttered. She is the eldest daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne.

Calliope is the mother of Orpheus, the muse of heroic poetry and eloquence. It evokes a sense of sacrifice that encourages a person to overcome his selfishness and fear of fate. Calliope wears a golden crown on her forehead - a sign that she dominates other muses, thanks to her ability to introduce a person to the first steps towards his liberation. Calliope was depicted with a waxed tablet or scroll and a slate stick in her hands - a stylus, which was a bronze rod, the pointed end of which was used to write text on a tablet covered with wax. The opposite end was made flat to erase what was written.

Muse Clio - patroness of history

The accompanying attributes of this muse are a scroll of parchment or a tablet - a board with letters. Clio reminds of what a person can achieve, helps to find his destiny.

According to Diodorus, the name comes from the word "Cleos" - "glory". The etymology of the name is “giving glory”. From Pier, the Greek muse Clio had a son, Hyacinthus. Love for Pier was inspired by Aphrodite for condemning her love for Adonis.

Muse of Melpomene - muse of tragedy

In Greek mythology, Melpomene is considered the muse of the tragic genre. The name, according to Diodorus, means "a melody that pleases the listeners." The image is anthropomorphic - it was described as a woman with a bandage, grape or ivy wreath on her head. It always has permanent paraphernalia in the form of a tragic mask, sword or club. The weapon carries the symbolism of the inevitability of divine punishment.

Melpomene is the mother of sirens - sea creatures who personified a deceptive but charming sea surface, under which sharp cliffs or shallows are hidden. From their mother muse, the sirens inherited the divine voice with which they lured sailors.

Muse Thalia - muse of comedy

Thalia or, in another version, Phalia - in Greek mythology, the muse of comedy and light poetry, the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Depicted with a comic mask in her hands and a wreath of ivy on her head.

From Thalia and Apollo were born Corybantes - the mythical predecessors of the priests of Cybele or Rhea in Phrygia, in wild enthusiasm, with music and dances, serving the great mother of the gods. According to Diodorus, she received her name from prosperity (thallein) glorified in poetic works for many years.

Zeus, turning into a kite, took Thalia as his wife. Out of fear of Hera's jealousy, the muse hid in the bowels of the earth, where demonic creatures were born from her - sticks (in this myth she is called the nymph of Etna).

Muse Polyhymnia - muse of solemn hymns

Polyhymnia is the muse of solemn hymns in Greek mythology. According to Diodorus, she got her name from the creation by many praises (diapolles chimneseos) of fame to those whose name poetry immortalized with glory. She patronizes hymn writers. It is believed that she keeps in memory all the hymns, songs and ritual dances that praise the Olympian gods, it is also believed that she invented the lyre.

Polyhymnia is often depicted with a scroll in her hands, in a thoughtful pose. Polyhymnia patronizes the study of rhetoric and oratory by people, which turns the orator into an instrument of truth. She personifies the power of speech and makes a person's speech life-giving. Polyhymnia helps to recognize the mystery of the word as a real power, with which you can inspire and revive, but at the same time hurt and kill. This power of speech is inspiring on the path to truth.

Muse Terpsichore - muse of dance

Terpsichore is the muse of dance. According to Diodorus, she got her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of the audience by the benefits that are in art. Tsets also calls her name among the Muses. Considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. Depicted as a young woman, with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre.

Characteristic attributes: a wreath on the head; in one hand she held a lyre, and in the other a plectrum. This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her the attribute of this god - ivy (as the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore says).

Muse Urania - muse of astronomy

Urania is the muse of astronomy. The attributes of Urania were: a celestial globe and a compass. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (ouranos) of those who comprehended her art. According to one version, Urania is the mother of Hymen.

Urania personifies the power of contemplation, she calls us to leave the external chaos in which a person exists and plunge into the contemplation of the majestic run of the stars, which is a reflection of fate. This is the power of knowledge, the power that draws to the mysterious, draws to the high and beautiful - to the Sky and the Stars.

Muse of Euterpe - muse of lyric poetry

Euterpe (ancient Greek Εὐτέρπη "entertaining") - in Greek mythology, one of the nine muses, the daughters of Zeus and the Titanides Mnemosyne, the muse of lyrical poetry and music. Depicted with a lyre or flute in her hands.

Mother of Res by the river god Strymon. According to the etymology of Diodora, she received her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of listeners who receive the benefits of education. Tsets also calls her name among the Muses.

Muse Erato - muse of love poetry

Erato is the muse of lyrical and love poetry. Her name is derived from the name of the god of love Eros. According to Diodorus, she received the name in honor of the ability to be “eperasta” (desired for love and passion).

She was born as a result of the union of Mnemosyne and Zeus. From Mala Erato gave birth to Cleophema. The attribute of the muse is cithara. This divine heroine of Greek mythology is often mentioned in the legends of the Hellenes.

In addition, Virgil and Apollonius of Rhodes resort to the symbolism associated with the image of the Greek muse Erato in their works. She knows how to breathe into the soul love for everything living with her art to transform everything into beauty, hidden beyond the physical.

According to Wikipedia