![]() The Muses were the patron goddesses of literature and the arts and inspired all artistic activity in the ancient world. 700 BCE), Calliope is the most important Muse. She is one of the nine canonical Muses, with the others being Clio (history), Euterpe (flute-playing), Thalia (comedy), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsichore (dancing), Erato (lyric and love poetry), Polyhymnia (sacred song) and Urania (astronomy). Birth and FamilyĬalliope is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne (goddess of memory). His great talent for epic poetry meant that he was also referred to as Calliope’s son (in a symbolic sense). 750 BCE) was said to be directly inspired by Calliope to write the Iliad and the Odyssey, two of the most famous epic poems of all time. She is often represented in art with a tablet on her knee and a stylus in her hand. She is considered the leader of the Muses and the most honoured of them all. Photo courtesy Vatican Museums, World History Encyclopedia, Creative CommonsĪccording to Hesiod, writing around 700 BCE, Calliope was the most important Muse.Ĭalliope (also spelt Kalliope) is the Muse of epic poetry and heroic song in Greek mythology. The sculpture is a copy of a 2nd century BCE Hellenistic sculpture which was itself a copy of a 4th century BCE Greek original. If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content.A Roman 2nd century CE sculpture of Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry. When you hear about an Achilles’ heel, it refers to the arrow shot by Trojan Paris that brought down the legendary mortal. ![]() She taught him how to sing which encouraged rowdiness while he drank. The island of Lesbos was dedicated to her son, who has also been mentioned in literature throughout centuries.Ĭalliope is said to have had a relationship with Achilles. He was murdered by Bacchantes, and Calliope was devastated. The bard Orpheus is the most famous child of the Greek muse. She had one son, Orpheus, with the king and two sons with the latter. It resides in the Museo Archeologico in Florence, Italy where it is seen and appreciated by new generations of creative people.Ĭalliope had children with King Oeagrus of Thrace and loved by the god Apollo. Her image is on the Francois Vase, a beautiful work of art created by the potter Ergotimos in 570 BCE. Calliope is also referred to in Dante’s Divine Comedy where dead poetry is given new life thanks to the goddess and her abilities to inspire.Īrtwork Featuring the Greek Goddess Can Be Found on Pottery in Italy The Greek goddess is also said to be a part of Virgil’s poetry, too. Although it is not known to be verified, many people believe she is what inspired Homer’s work. It is said that she was the muse for the Iliad and the Odyssey. Literature Said to Be Inspired by CalliopeĬalliope inspired and was referred to in many famous works of literature. When she wasn’t busy falling in love, she was overseeing music, song, and dance. People with creative talents called upon her to help inspire and guide their work which she did regularly. Other artists draw and paint her with a gold crown on her head.Īs the oldest of the muses, she had influence. Occasionally, her role of a mother is emphasized as she is shown with her children. In modern times, you’ll see the goddess depicted as a fine writer with a tablet, roll of paper or book in hand. ![]() Of all the muses, she was considered the “Chief”. In fact, she was so eloquent and poetic that she was highly regarded by Hesiod and Ovid. Greek goddess Calliope had a way with words. ![]()
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