Information about Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry Calliope was one of the young, beautiful maidens referred to as the Nine Muses. The nine Muses were the daughters of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. The names of the nine Muses were Clio, Thalia, Erato, Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Calliope, Terpsichore, Urania and Melpomene. Calliope and her sisters were believed to reside above the golden clouds that covered sacred the Greek mountain peaks above the summits of Mounts Olympus, Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus. They entertained and joined the Olympian gods in their feasts drinking water, milk, and honey, but never wine. The sisters were originally the patron goddesses of poets and musicians but over time their roles extended to include comedy, tragedy, history, poetry, music, dancing, singing, rhetoric, sacred hymns, and harmony. Calliope was the Muse of Epic Poetry. Picture of the Nine Muses Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry The ancient Greeks were great writers of epic poetry. Epic poetry consists of a long narrative that reflects the values of the society, usually including the concept of 'good versus evil' and features heroes, villains and often includes the divine intervention of the gods. Examples of this poetic device are the "Iliad," and the "Odyssey". Traditionally, an epic poet would invoke the aid of Calliope to guide and assist him in his work. The invocation took the form of a prayer for divine inspiration from the goddess. These invocations were later included as part of the work at, or near the beginning, of the piece of epic poetry. The invocation in Homer's Iliad refers to the muse as a "heavenly goddess." "Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful spring Of woes unnumber'd, heavenly goddess, sing" Facts and pictures of Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry The following fact file contains pictures of this Greek goddess and Muse and details her symbols and attributes. Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Calliope Facts about Calliope - Calliope was the Muse who represented and was the patron of Epic Poetry
- Her name meant 'She of the Beautiful Voice'
- She is said to be able to play any musical instrument
- She was the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne
- She was the eldest Muse and held the highest rank
- Her symbol is writing tablet but she is also depicted carrying a scroll or a book or as wearing a golden crown
- She was said to be the wisest of all the Muses and said to be the inspiration of Homer
- Calliope was the mother of Orpheus and Linus
- The alternative spelling of her name is Kalliope
Picture of Calliope Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Calliope |