The ancient Greek gods were not just formidable celestials. In the ancient world, nothing happened without their knowledge and participation. Without their blessing, it was impossible to conquer the world or compose a hymn. To win the war, they prayed to the formidable Ares, inspiration for composing speeches, prayers and pathetic odes was sent to people by the muse Polyhymnia.
This thoughtful and spiritual woman is one of the nine daughters of Zeus, who still give people the joy of creativity.
Patrons of scientists, poets and musicians
Divine muses are an integral part of order and harmony ancient world. Their number, purpose, description changed over time. AT Ancient Greece such sciences as philosophy, geometry and astronomy were considered occupations that required inspiration, while painting and sculpture were crafts and did not have their patrons.
The classical retinue of Apollo consisted of nine beautiful maidens, from whom musicians, poets and scientists sought support. These were:
- Calliope is the muse of science, philosophy and epic poetry, the eldest of the sisters, the mother of Orpheus.
- Euterpe is the patroness of music and lyric poetry.
- Melpomene is the muse of tragedy.
- Waist is the personification of light poetry and comedy.
- Erato - muse love poetry.
- Muse Polyhymnia patronized many occupations, with modern point view unrelated: writing solemn hymns, rhetoric and oratory, as well as pantomime and agriculture.
- The muse of dance and choral singing is Terpsichore.
- Clio is the muse of history.
- The muse of astronomy is Urania.
Those who had talent in poetry or science enjoyed great honor and respect among people. The Muses also loved those who sincerely turned to them for support, although they severely punished those who considered themselves above the gods for their pride.
Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne
Polyhymnia - the muse of hymns
Many muses patronized various genres of poetry. The eldest, Calliope, took care of those who wrote epic poems and songs. Euterpe is the muse of lyrical poetry, Thalia is light and comic, Erato is love.
Muse Polyhymnia "supervised" serious poetry. Her name - Πολύμνια (another option - Polymnia) consists of two parts: the first means "a lot", the second - "praise" or "hymn". One of the meanings of the name of this muse is “immortal glory”, which the essay gives to poets a large number divine chants.
The sixth daughter of Mnemosyne has always been endowed with a serious character. She was called upon by those who wanted to turn to the gods of Olympus with a request or praise. Only those blessed by her name could count on the fact that the gods would hear them. The ancient Greek muse Polyhymnia is the patroness of sacred poetry, sacred music, ritual dances and solemn prayers, full of awareness of the mystery of being and spirituality. The sixth muse is addressed by those who are looking for meaning in life.
Pantomime and rhetoric
This companion of Apollo was first given under the patronage of dances, the muse of which was Terpsichore, and wise science - history, which Clio later began to "manage". From the art of dancing, she was left with the ability to express thoughts and feelings with body movements and gestures: Polyhymnia in ancient Greek mythology- the muse of pantomime. In ancient images, she often appears with her finger pressed to her lips, as a sign of silence, - let her gestures speak.
But it is difficult to address heaven without words. And those whom Polyhymnia favored found inspiration in speeches. The muse of solemn hymns was called upon by those who wanted to impress the listeners with oratory skills, those who studied rhetoric. Polyhymnia was addressed before an important public performance.
Geometry and agriculture
Surprisingly versatile were the "interests" of Polyhymnia. She is called the inventor of grammar, who taught people to express their thoughts on paper. She was approached for help in her studies, asked to help me remember something important faster. And the true daughter of Mnemosyne - the keeper of memory - came to the rescue in this. Ancient mathematicians dedicated their works to this muse. It owes its birth to the great and exact science - geometry, which has acquired great value in the world of Pythagoras and Archimedes.
According to one of the legends, Polyhymnia became the mother of Orpheus and invented the lyre, according to another, the sixth-born daughter of Mnemosyne and Zeus became the mother of Triptolemus, whom Demeter taught the basics of agriculture. On this basis, the muse Polyhymnia is considered the patroness of Agriculture. She, among other deities, was addressed by the ancient poet Hesiod in 700 BC in the work Works and Days, where for the first time recommendations for cultivating the land were placed.
Description and attributes
Each muse has attributes and external signs that are unique to her. Calliope has always been depicted with a wax tablet and a stylus - a writing stick. Euterpe held a flute in her hands, Erato - a cithara, Thalia was always with the comic Melpomene - with the tragic. Clio has a scroll in his hands, Urania holds a globe or a compass.
Although it is believed that the patroness of solemn hymns and ritual dances invented the divine lyre, this instrument is not always included in the description of the muse. Polyhymnia does not have a generally accepted attribute, although it was often depicted with a poetic scroll in her hands, full of high wisdom. She always stood out from the environment of Apollo, among the shady forests of Parnassus, with her thoughtful look, close to meditation. The figure of Polyhymnia is always tightly draped, often with her head. She leans on a rock, and her eyes are directed upwards, because the creations she inspires are turned to the sky.
Ancient harmony
In the legends and myths of ancient times, an amazingly harmonious world order was expressed, where gods and people, animals and plants exist together. The Muses of Ancient Greece took their special place in this world. Polyhymnia is the muse of hymns and prayers, divine rituals and everyday work on arable land. She taught man to compose divine verses, to address others with fiery speech and to express his feelings with the help of an expressive gesture.
The Muses are first mentioned by Homer. In the immortal "Iliad" and "Odyssey" he turns to the muses with a request to help him at the beginning long way. And until now, poets and musicians, scientists and artists are looking for spiritual support and inspiration from them. And in space flies as a symbol of hope in such support, the asteroid Polyhymnia, named after the ancient Greek muse of solemn hymns.
For ancient civilizations? This is a sign of prosperity, a golden age, when life in a city or state is characterized by stability and abundance. People direct their attention not only to obtaining the necessary, but they have the opportunity to devote their time and energy to creating beauty. AT modern world in this sense, little has changed, but in the past it was more difficult to achieve such prosperity, which means that art was valued much more. It is not surprising, therefore, that in ancient Greece the muses, who gave inspiration and talents, were treated with such reverence. And it is no coincidence that Euterpe, the muse of lyric poetry, was considered the most graceful and beautiful of the nine sisters.
Not all art is equally valuable
In ancient times, when heroes performed their feats, and later, when great poets composed their poems about them, the ability to weave words was considered the most revered art form. Painting or sculpture belonged, rather, to crafts: they delighted the eye, but were not thought of as something divine. Poetry was at the top of everything. It is no coincidence that she helped to create love and wedding lyrics with her different directions. Calliope was responsible for the epic. Euterpe's muse inspired the creation of lyric poetry. And among the beautiful sisters was Polymnia or Pologimnia, who patronized everyone who composed hymns.
Painting and sculpture had no muses. But they were in astronomy and history. These sciences were equated with art. Urania was the inspirer and mentor of the astrologers. Historians praised Clio.
Poetry is closely connected with dramaturgy and theater. The Muses Melpomene and Thalia helped create tragedies and comedies. They reminded their pets that human lives only roles and are completely in the power of the gods. The smooth procession of the Terpsichore sisters, the muse of dance and choral singing, closes.
Where did the muses come from?
The inspirers of poets come from ancient nymph sources. They lived in the ringing waters of springs and gave people the ability to compose poetry. The Muses proper appear first as three sisters, Meleta, Mnema and Aeda (meditation, memory and song). And a little later, the usual modern man nine inspirations. Starting with the blessing of their pets with a poetic gift, they gradually divided among themselves all areas of art.
divine origin
According to Hessiod and other authors, the muse of Euterpe and her sisters were the Titanides Mnemosyne. Beautiful virgins were born at the foot of Olympus. The Muses are eternally young beauties who sing at the feasts of the gods. Often they are depicted together with Apollo, he was their patron and constant companion.
The Muses gave gifts to those who revered them. They could inspire the creation of a masterpiece, tell how to achieve the grace of the gods. Those who considered themselves more talented than the muses or tried to compete with them were severely punished.
Habitat
It is believed that the cult of the Muses originated in the tribe of Thracian singers. They lived in Pieria, and later moved to Boeotia. Here is Helikon, beloved by the Muses. This mountain, as well as Parnassus, was loved by the Muses for rustling groves, cool caves and springs with crystal clean water. Here beautiful maidens lived. It was believed that if you drink water from the source of Aganippus or Hippocrene, you can gain a poetic gift.
Muses were worshiped in special temples, museions. Scientists often lived and worked there. The modern word "museum" (a place where works of art are stored and exhibited) comes from the name of the temple of the muses.
The fairest of the sisters
The ancient Greek muse Euterpe patronized poets who loved lyrics above other genres, as well as musicians. It was believed that she stands out among the muses with special sophistication and tenderness. According to myths, they could enjoy her poems indefinitely.
The main epithet that adorned the muse of lyric poetry is giving pleasure. The very name "Euterpe" comes, according to Diodorus, from a description of the pleasure experienced by those who listen to music. Sensitive and inspiring, she could give her chosen ones the ability to give birth to a harmonious melody from the chaos of sounds, to put seemingly random words into a lingering and smooth song. Light-footed and wayward, like all sisters, Euterpe's muse firmly put in place those who tried to argue with her or pretended to be superior in skill. One of the myths describes well how the inspirers dealt with their rivals.
How magpies appeared
The daughters of the Macedonian king Pier, and there were nine of them, like the muses, were immensely proud of their talents. They decided to challenge the masterminds to a musical competition and show how good their voices are. Nymphs were invited as judges. Euterpe and her sisters arrived at the appointed hour.
The daughters of the king sang about the war of the gods with the giants. They did not glorify Zeus and his associates, but laughed at how the Olympians fled from the formidable Typhaon in the form of forest animals. The Muses were indignant, but were forced to sing. The beautiful Calliope took the lyre in her hands and told about the abduction of Persephone. The nymphs were fascinated by the voice and play of the muse and recognized her as the best in the competition, but the princesses did not agree with this decision. Pride and willfulness brought Pier's daughters to the point that they tried to hit the muses. Such an insult to the inspirer could not be forgiven. They turned arrogant princesses into magpies, noisy and crackling.
Attributes of the most beautiful of muses
Those who honored the goddesses, they gave their location, and with it the ability to win the hearts of people with various arts. Euterpe, the muse of lyrical poetry and music, according to myths, with her singing and playing the flute, could illuminate the soul of a person with magical light, cleanse it of a touch of callousness and dullness. She was depicted almost always in her hands with musical instruments. As a rule, these were flute, aulos (double pipe, the ancestor of the modern oboe) or lyre. Also often there are images of the muse, accompanied by forest nymphs. On some canvases and bas-reliefs, Euterpe's muse holds garlands of flowers, a symbol of tenderness and beauty.
Images of Euterpe
Despite the fact that the Muses did not patronize sculptors and painters, for many centuries they dedicated their works to the immortal sisters. And of course, poets of all times and many peoples wrote about them: Byron and Homer, Pushkin, Fet and Yesenin. G.R. Derzhavin has a poem dedicated to Euterpe (“To Euterpe”). Many artists painted her image. Among them are the Italian Francesco del Cossa and the Swiss Arnold Böcklin. Sculptures depicting muses adorn the Louvre. Copies of ancient statues can be seen in a beautiful park in Pavlovsk near St. Petersburg. Euterpe is depicted here without the traditional attribute, the flute. The sculpture is a copy of a Roman sculpture placed in the Vatican, which, in turn, reproduces the lost work of a Greek master.
Euterpe, the muse of lyrics, inspires contemporary artists as well. Poems and sculptural images are still dedicated to her. The patroness of poets and musicians is invisibly present not only at evenings dedicated to Greek art. She, like her sisters, is a source of creativity for everyone who is imbued with the poetics of ancient mythology.
The work of almost every great artist is unthinkable without the presence of an inspiring woman - a muse.
The immortal works of Raphael were written using images that his beloved model Fornarina helped create, Michelangelo enjoyed a Platonic connection with the famous Italian poetess Vittoria Colonna. The beauty of Simonetta Vespucci was immortalized by Sandro Botticelli, and the famous Gala inspired the great Salvador Dali.
Who are the Muses?
The ancient Greeks believed that each area of their life, which they considered the most important, had its patroness, the muse. In accordance with their ideas, the list of muses of ancient Greece was as follows:
Calliope is the muse of epic poetry;
Clio is the muse of history;
Melpomene is the muse of tragedy;
Thalia is the muse of comedy;
Polyhymnia is the muse of sacred hymns;
Terpsichore - the muse of dance;
Euterpe is the muse of poetry and lyrics;
Erato is the muse of love and wedding poetry;
Urania is the muse of science.
According to classical Greek mythology, supreme god Zeus and Mnemosyne, daughters of the titans Uranus and Gaia, nine daughters were born. Since Mnemosyne was the goddess of memory, it is not surprising that her daughters began to be called muses, in Greek it means “thinking”.
It was assumed that the favorite habitat of the Muses was the mountains of Parnassus and Helikon, where in shady groves, to the sound of transparent sources, they made up the retinue of Apollo. To the sound of his lyre they sang and danced.
This story was loved by many Renaissance artists. Raphael used it in his famous paintings of the halls of the Vatican. Parnassus by Andrea Montegna, depicting Apollo surrounded by the Muses dancing for the gods Supreme Olympus can be seen in the Louvre.
The famous sarcophagus of the Muses is also located there. It was found in the 18th century in Roman excavations, its lower bas-relief is decorated with an excellent image of all 9 muses.
From left to right: Calliope (with a scroll), Thalia (with a mask in her hand), Erato, Euterpe (with a wind musical instrument), Polyhymnia, Clio, Terpsichore (with a cithara), Urania (with a rod and a globe), Melpomene (with a theatrical mask on his head)
Mouseions
In honor of the Muses, special temples were built - museyons, which were the center of the cultural and artistic life of Hellas. The Museion of Alexandria was the most famous. This name formed the basis of the well-known word "museum".
Alexander the Great founded Alexandria as the center of Hellenistic culture in the Egypt he conquered. After his death, his body was brought here, to a tomb specially built for him. But, unfortunately, then the remains of the great king disappeared, and have not yet been found.
One of the associates of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy I Soter, who laid the foundation for the Ptolemaic dynasty, founded a museion in Alexandria, which combined a research center, an observatory, Botanical Garden, menagerie, museum, famous library. Archimedes, Euclid, Eratosthenes, Herophilus, Plotinus and other great minds of Hellas worked under its arches. For successful work the most favorable conditions, scientists could meet each other, have long conversations, as a result, greatest discoveries which have not lost their significance even today.
The Muses have always been portrayed as young beautiful women, they had the ability to see the past and predict the future. Singers, poets, artists enjoyed the greatest favor of these beautiful creatures, the muses encouraged them in their work and served as a source of inspiration.
Clio, the "glory-giving" muse of history
Her constant attribute is a parchment scroll or a board with letters, where she wrote down all the events in order to keep them in the memory of her descendants. As the ancient Greek historian Diodorus said about her: "The greatest of the muses inspires love for the past." According to mythology, Clio was friends with Calliope. The surviving sculptures and paintings of these muses are very similar, often made by the same master.
There is a myth about a quarrel that arose between Aphrodite and Clio. Possessing strict morals, the goddess of history did not know love and condemned Aphrodite, who was the wife of the god Hephaestus, for her tender feelings for the young god Dionysus. Aphrodite ordered her son Eros to shoot two arrows, inciting love hit Clio, and Pieron got the one that killed her. Suffering from unrequited love convinced the strict muse to no longer condemn anyone for emerging feelings.
Melpomene, muse of tragedy
Her two daughters had magical voices and decided to challenge the muses, but lost and in order to punish them for their pride, Zeus or Poseidon (opinions differ here), turned them into sirens. The very ones that almost killed the Argonauts.
Melpomene vowed to forever regret their fate and all those who defy the will of heaven.
She is always wrapped in a theatrical robe, and her symbol is a mournful mask, which she keeps in right hand. In her left hand is a sword, symbolizing punishment for insolence.
Thalia, muse of comedy
Melpomene's sister, but never accepted her sister's unconditional belief that punishment was inevitable, this often became the cause of their quarrels. She is always depicted with a comedy mask in her hands, her head is decorated with an ivy wreath, she has a cheerful disposition and optimism.
ohm.
Both sisters symbolize life experience and reflect the way of thinking, characteristic of the inhabitants of ancient Greece, that the whole world is a theater of the gods, and people in it only play their prescribed roles.
Polyhymnia, muse of sacred hymns and faith expressed in music
The patroness of speakers, the fieryness of their speeches and the interest of the audience depended on her favor. On the eve of the performance, one should ask the muse for help, then she condescended to the one asking and inspired him with the gift of eloquence, the ability to penetrate into every soul. The permanent attribute of Polyhymnia is the lyre.
Euterpe - the muse of poetry and lyrics
She stood out among the rest of the muses with a special, sensual perception of poetry.
To the quiet accompaniment of the harp of Orpheus, her poems delighted the ears of the gods on the Olympic hill. Considered the most beautiful and feminine of the muses, she became for him, who lost Eurydice, the savior of the soul. The attribute of Euterpe is a double flute and a wreath of fresh flowers. As a rule, she was depicted surrounded by forest nymphs.
Terpsichore, muse of dance, which is performed in the same rhythm with heartbeats
The perfect art of Terpsichore's dance expressed the complete harmony of the natural principle, the movements of the human body and spiritual emotions. The muse was depicted in a simple tunic, with a wreath of ivy on her head and with a lyre in her hands.
Erato, muse of love and wedding poetry
Her song is that there is no force that can separate loving hearts.
Songwriters called on the muse to inspire them to create new beautiful works. Erato's attribute is a lyre or tambourine, her head is decorated with wonderful roses as a symbol of eternal love.
Calliope (Greek "beautiful voice") - the muse of epic poetry
The eldest of the children of Zeus and Mnemosyne and, in addition, the mother of Orpheus, her son inherited a subtle understanding of music from her. Always depicted in the pose of a beautiful dreamer, who held a wax tablet in her hands and wooden stick- stylus, so the famous expression "write in high style" appeared. The ancient poet Dionysius Medny called poetry "Cry of Calliope".
Urania - the ninth muse of astronomy, the wisest of the daughters of Zeus
He holds in his hands a symbol of the celestial sphere - a globe and a compass, which helps to determine the distances between celestial bodies. The name was given to the muse in honor of the god of heaven Uranus, who existed even before Zeus. Interestingly, Urania, the goddess of science, is among the muses associated with different types arts. Why? According to the teachings of Pythagoras about the "harmony of the heavenly spheres", the dimensional ratios of musical sounds are comparable to the distances between heavenly bodies. Without knowing one, it is impossible to achieve harmony in the other. As the goddess of science, Urania is revered today.
Zeus and Mnemosyne. - Distinctive features of the Muses. - Location of the Muses. - Pierre's daughters. - The Muses are the winners of the Sirens.
Zeus and Mnemosyne
The Muses were originally nothing but the inspiring nymphs of the springs. The Muses endowed people with poetic talent and taught them rhythmic meter in verse.
The number of Muses was also subject to change. At first, only three Muses are mentioned: Meleta - reflection, Mnema - memory and Aeda - song. According to the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, their nine sisters, all the Muses are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (goddess of memory).
The Muses were born at the foot of Mount Olympus, they are beautiful virgins, their hearts are pure and virgin. The Muses have wonderful voices, and they sing harmonious songs at the feasts of the gods, amusing the gods. The Muses also sing about the divine duties of the inhabitants of Olympus and about the great, irresistible laws of nature. The Muses inspire the poet and put songs into his soul.
“When these daughters of the great Zeus want to endow a mortal with talents, as soon as their chosen one is born, they begin to feed him with tender heavenly dew, and words sweet as honey pour from his mouth” (Hesiod).
The Muses love and patronize poets and singers who recognize that they owe their talents only to the Muses, and punish the daring who imagine that they can compete with the Muses in singing.
The Muses were given great honors, and their cult was spread everywhere. In order to understand why the Muses were so revered, one must remember that in ancient times poetry was a powerful factor in civilization.
Distinguishing features of the Muses
Subsequently, they extended the influence of the Muses to all branches of the arts and sciences; each of the Muses was assigned a certain range of activities and each was given special distinctive attributes.
- Clio, the Muse of History, was depicted with a roll of parchment in her hand.
- calliope, the Muse of the epic, in a dreamy pose, holds waxed planks and a sharp stick (stylos, style) in her hands.
- Tragic mask, Bacchic wreath, koturny - here features Melpomene, Muses of tragedy. Sometimes Melpomene is given the attributes of Hercules to express horror, and the Bacchic wreath should remind that tragedies were played out for the first time at the festivities of Bacchus (Dionysus). The Louvre has a beautiful antique statue of Melpomene.
- Terpsichore- Muse of dance. Terpsichore is crowned with laurels and strikes the strings of a large lyre like a harp, enlivening and inspiring the dancers with these sounds.
- Comic mask, ivy wreath, shepherd's crook, tympanum (genus of harp) - common attributes Waist, Muses of comedy and bucolic poetry.
- Erato- Muse of love poetry. Erato keeps in light hands, a small lyre. Very often, Eros (Cupid) was depicted next to Erato.
- Euterpe always depicted with a flute. Euterpe - Muse of lyric poetry and music.
- Polymnia, or polyhymnia, - Muse of eloquence and hymns. Polymnia has no attributes, but she is easily recognizable among her sisters by her pensive look and by the fact that Polymnia is leaning against a rock.
- Finally, Urania- Muse of star science (astronomy). At the feet of Urania is a globe, and in the hands of a stick-radius, which was used by ancient astrologers to indicate the stars visible in the firmament.
Location of the Muses
The original cult of the Muses appeared to ancient tribe Thracian singers who lived in Pieria, near Mount Olympus, and then moved to Boeotia, near Mount Helikon. This mountain, like Parnassus, was the favorite residence of the Muses. There were beautiful shady groves, cool caves and transparent springs of Aganippus and Hippocrene, dedicated to the Muses.
On many ancient monuments of art, Apollo is depicted accompanied by nine Muses. The same plot is often reproduced by Renaissance artists. In the Louvre is famous picture Mantegna "Parnassus", it depicts Apollo, forcing the Muses to dance to the sounds of his lyre in the presence of Mars, Venus and Cupid.
Raphael, in his famous fresco in the Vatican, presented Apollo among the Muses. In the painting by Giulio Romano, the god of poetry himself dances with the Muses.
The Muses were very often depicted on Roman sarcophagi, as well as theatrical masks, because the ancients looked at life as a role that people played, as it were, in passing on earth, and whoever played his role well ended up on the islands of Bliss (Righteous) .
A beautiful sarcophagus known as the Muses, now in the Louvre, was discovered in the 18th century during excavations near Rome. On the lower bas-relief is a beautiful image of the nine Muses with their attributes.
Pierre's daughters
The Muses, like Apollo, did not leave unpunished those who dared to compete with them.
The Macedonian king Pier had nine daughters who were so proud of their musical abilities that they decided to challenge the Muses to a competition. They began to sing of the battle of the gods with the giants, ridiculing the first for the fact that many of them turned into animals in order to escape the terrible Typhaon.
Hearing this, the Muses and their companions became indignant, but since the nymphs of the whole country were invited to this competition, the Muses also had to sing. Calliope, tuning her lyre, sang about the mysterious abduction of Persephone and the mountain of Demeter.
|
The nymphs unanimously recognized Calliope as the winner, but the Pierides did not want to recognize the decisions of the very nymphs whom they also elected as their judges, and forgot themselves to the point that they tried to hit the divine Muses.
Kara was not slow to follow: Pierides were turned into forty. Having retained their innate talkativeness and vanity in this form, they began to resound the forests and fields with their sharp cries.
This ancient greek myth perfectly characterizes the passion and bitterness of the rivals art schools ancient Greece.
Muses - the winners of the Sirens
The Muses also had other rivals - Sirens, they were called the Muses of death. On primitive monuments of art, Sirens were depicted with the head and hands of a woman and with the body of a bird. In subsequent images, the Sirens were represented as women with wings and paws of birds. The gods gave the Sirens wings and a torch when they went looking for Persephone.
Homer calls the Sirens charmers who seduce all men who dare to listen to their singing. “Who carelessly stops and listens to the singing of the Sirens, he will no longer see his wife or beloved children: the Sirens will enchant him with their harmonious voices and destroy him. Bones and the dried up skeletons of their victims lie around these charmers ”(“ Odyssey ”).
The Sirens dared to compete with the Muses, but were defeated by them and mercilessly plucked. In memory of this victory, the Muses were often depicted with feathers on their heads. The unfortunate, plucked Sirens threw themselves into the water out of shame and grief - this is perhaps the reason why the latest artists confuse them with the Tritonides and depict them as women with fish tails.
ZAUMNIK.RU, Yegor A. Polikarpov - scientific editing, scientific proofreading, design, selection of illustrations, additions, explanations, translations from Latin and ancient Greek; all rights reserved.
How can I write not so curgusly?
Beautiful, smart, fast, foldable -
I tormented poetry, I Muse ...
And he beat her up a lot.
Akaky Schweik, "Shabby Muse"
More than once or twice, you probably heard such phrases as “the muse visited me”, “the muse of tragedy”, “there is no inspiration”. Who are the muses and how are they related to creativity and inspiration?
The concept of "muse" takes its roots in ancient Greek mythology and literally means "thinking". Nine sisters, patronesses of sciences and arts, were named Aonides, Pierides, Parnasids. They had many more names that would not say anything to the layman, so we will not dwell on them.
All 9 Muses of Ancient Greece are the daughters of Zeus the Thunderer, and each of them has its own unique ability. Most often, 9 muses of ancient Greece are depicted in the guise of young beautiful women. These ladies had a prophetic gift and favored people with a creative mindset, encouraging and helping artists, artists, poets, and sculptors in every possible way. However, woe to a talented writer if he angers his muse. A capricious lady can leave him without her patronage and deprive him of inspiration. The ancient Greeks appreciated inspiration and, in order not to be “overboard”, erected special temples for the muses, called museions. From museion and takes roots modern word"museum". The patron of the Muses themselves was the god Apollo.
Let's take a closer look at who these 9 muses of Ancient Greece were and what arts enjoyed their attention.
Calliope - muse of epic poetry
From the ancient Greek "Calliope" is translated as "having a beautiful voice." This is the eldest of the sisters. She is the muse of eloquence and heroic ballads. Beauty Kaliope encourages a person to overcome his egoism and fear of fate, she awakens in him a sense of sacrifice.
On the head of Calliope is a golden crown - the fact that she is the main one among other muses, thanks to her talent to introduce a person to the first steps along the path of his liberation.
Artists depict calliope with a waxed tablet or scroll and a slate stick with a stylus in their hands, which looked like a bronze rod with a pointed end, used to write letters on a tablet covered with wax. The opposite end of the stylus was made flat to wipe the written.
Muse Clio - patroness of history
The name Clio comes from "glory", the ancient Greek "Cleos". Clio, bestowing glory, reminded of what a person can achieve in life, helped him find his true destiny. The attributes of Clio were a scroll of parchment or a tablet. Sometimes its attributes complement sundial, because the muse keeps order in time.
Muse of Melpomene - muse of tragedy
The muse of the tragic genre was described as a woman with a bandage, grape or ivy wreath on her head. Greek muse Melpomene is "a melody that delights the listeners." Melpomene is armed with a sword or club. Her weapon symbolizes the inevitability of divine punishment. Also among its attributes is a tragic mask.
From Melpomene, siren sea creatures appeared, sinking many ships, luring sailors to reefs and rocks with their divine singing.
Muse Thalia - muse of comedy
Cutie Thalia (Falia, according to other versions) was depicted by artists as a young girl with a wand in her hand, a comic mask, an ivy wreath on her head, and also sometimes in “furry” clothes. The muse got its name from prosperity (thallein), glorified in poetic works for many centuries.
Thalia was the wife of Zeus. The Thunderer kidnapped the muse, turning into a kite. Fearing the wrath of Hera, Thalia hid in the bowels of the earth.
Muse Polyhymnia - muse of solemn hymns
In Greek mythology, Polyhymnia was "responsible" for solemn hymns. The name given to her comes from the phrase "creating by many praises" fame to those who have been immortalized through the ages by poetry. Poets who write hymns are under the patronage of Polyhymnia. According to ancient Greek legends, Polyhymnia has a more than phenomenal memory, it stores in it all the ever written hymns, songs and ritual dances in which people glorified the gods of the Olympians. It is believed that Polyhymnia was the inventor of the lyre.
The patroness of hymns is often depicted in a thoughtful pose with a scroll in her hands. She also helps people in the study of rhetoric and oratory, which becomes an instrument of truth in the hands of a skilled broadcaster.
Polyhymnia makes it possible to realize the mystery of the word as a real power with which you can revive and kill, inspire and injure.
Muse Terpsichore - muse of dance
Terpsichore is the graceful muse of dancing. Terpsichore got her name from the enjoyment (terpein) of the audience by the blessings bestowed by art. Terpsichore is considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. The artists portray the graceful lady as a young woman. Sometimes she takes the pose of a dancer, but more often she sits and plays the lyre with an indispensable smile on her face. This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her his attribute ivy, in addition to his own lyre and plectrum.
Muse Urania - muse of astronomy
Urania is the wise muse of astronomy. The attributes of this muse were a celestial globe and a compass. According to one version, the muse of astronomy is the mother of Hymen. She received her name from the desire for the sky (“uranos”) of those who comprehended the art of astronomy.
Urania is a living contemplative force, it calls on a person to leave the external chaos in which he resides and indulge in the contemplation of the majestic and calm course of celestial bodies and stars, which are the essence of the reflection of the destinies of the world. Urania personifies the power of knowledge and craving for the mysterious and unknown, high and beautiful, for the starry sky.
Muse of lyric poetry Euterpe
The merry muse of Euterpe, whose name literally translates as "rejoicing", received the name from the pleasure (terpein) of listeners who appreciated the benefit of knowledge and education. The muse of lyrical music and poetry is most often depicted with a flute or lyre in her hands.
Romantic Erato - muse of love poetry
The name Erato is derived from the name ancient greek god Eros' love. Erato was named after the ability to be desired, loved. This muse patronizes lyrics and poets who write about high feelings. In his images, Erato appears with a cithara. Its symbolism is often used in literature, including Virgil and Apollonius of Rhodes.
The romantic muse has the gift of inspiring love for the whole universe into the soul. She skillfully transforms the life of physical reality into beauty and harmony.
How to attract the muse?
So, we got acquainted with the ancient Greek muses, and everyone chose whom to invite to his place in the evening for tea and cookies. But let's find out what the muses are interested in?
Creative people, as you know, cannot live without their favorite pastime. This is their outlet and their little modest joy. Someone writes pictures or novels, someone paints graffiti on walls and fences with a can, someone cross-stitches or designs. However, the ability to do one's work alone is sometimes not enough - some kind of creative impulse, impetus, inspiration is needed. To create even little masterpiece a soul is needed, and not just monotonous, machine labor.
Alas, the muse is mademoiselle capricious and windy. She does not sit with a single person from morning to night. She does not express a desire to come when called. So, as a result, the poor fellow sits as a poet all day with a notebook or, which is more likely today, with an open Word and hypnotizes with a look of reddened tired eyes a single line. And it doesn't stick at all! He looks this way and that, and drinks his third mug of tea, but still the muse does not go to him, does not carry that spiritual spark, so necessary in order to touch the strings of someone else's soul.
Stubborn lady! Here you are already thinking about whether to master the profession of a shaman - well, what if dancing with a tambourine helps not only programmers and other computer scientists? What does this cursed muse need?
Learn from children! Have you ever wondered why children get so excited when they see a beautiful butterfly, unusual shape a cloud, a funny disheveled sparrow on a rickety fence? Think back to when you were young! Alas, the older we get, the less often we manage to find a moment to notice something amazing in our daily life.
After all, no one thinks and appreciates those little joys that surround each of us. So the one who has never experienced suffocation is not able to appreciate how wonderful it is - Fresh air. Or a gardener, constantly digging and digging in his garden, will only shrug his shoulders at the blissful expression on the faces of the residents of megacities who came for a picnic after a long dull winter.
Pay attention to the little things, leave your misanthropy and sarcasm at home, stir up romance in yourself, enough for him to sleep in a lethargic dream - let him also work for you. Are you already filled with happiness and pleasure? Wait, the muse has already flown to you!
Muse loves to treat herself to something tasty. Pamper both of you, but do not overfeed her - the full muse is leisurely, and your laziness will gladly collude with her, and together they will break off all your creative impulses.
But you can shame your muse by walking with her through exhibitions and expositions. Shame on this bum, your work isn't there yet, is it?
To the note of the amateur "creative mess" in the workplace. Not a question, we are not talking about pedantic wiping of dust particles in the morning and evening. And you can put a cup of coffee, and some trinket, pleasing to the eye, the muse will also approve. But mountains of dirty dishes, an unmade bed or heaps of rubbish on the table will not attract an inspirer. " Creative chaos"- perhaps, but you should not turn into a pig.
With all her whims, the muse is not a mercantile fifa. She doesn't need an expensive closet, or a Parker pen, or a laptop of the latest model. First of all, she appreciates the comfort, in which there is everything to create a masterpiece.
If you need space for something you love, organize it! Yes, and just to make some castling of furniture can be useful. And it's funny to watch how the family, out of habit, goes around the closet, or rather, the empty place where it used to stand. Nothing, 21 days - and they will stop doing it.
Did you find time to rest? And now, according to the principle of Baron Munchausen, you have a feat on schedule! We put things in order in the house, life and head, now we catch the muse, we plant it nearby - and forward, to the stars!
Share the article with your friends!
9 Muses of Ancient Greece. Whom to invite?
How can I write not so curgusly? Beautifully, cleverly, quickly, smoothly - I tormented the poetry of Muse ... And patted her fairly. Akaky Schweik, “Shabby Muse” More than once or twice, you have probably heard such phrases as “the muse visited me”, “the muse of tragedy”, “there is no inspiration”. Who are the muses and how are they related to creativity and inspiration? Concept...