There were nine Greek muses. At one time they were goddesses of inspiring springs (such a perfect image), but then they became specialized.- Calliope (holding a wax tablet), muse of epic song.
- Clio (with a scroll—shown above), muse of history.
- Euterpe (with a double flute), muse of lyric song.
- Melpomene (with a tragic mask and ivy wreath), muse of tragedy.
- Terpsichore (with a lyre), muse of dance.
- Erato (with a small lyre), muse of erotic poetry.
- Polyhymnia (veiled and pensive), muse of sacred song.
- Urania (holding a celestial globe), muse of astronomy.
- Thalia (with a comic mask, ivy wreath and shepherd's staff), muse of comedy and bucolic poetry.
I've illustrated Clio, the muse of history, for obvious reasons -- but what does she actually inspire?
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