The Nine Olympian Muses Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mnemosyne

Mnemosyne is the Greek goddess of memory and one of the twelve Titans - a child of the earth-goddess Gaia and the sky-god Uranus. She was also associated with the river Lethe, which flowed through the underworld and was said to cause forgetfulness in those who drank from its waters.

In our modern language, 'mnemonics' - which refers to the use of memory aids to enhance recall - is derived from her name.

The painting presented is "Mnemosyne" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882), also titled "Lamp of Memory" and "Ricordanza". It was begun in 1875 or early 1876 and completed in 1881.

Answer: Calliope

Calliope was called the 'Chief of all the Muses' by Ovid and Hesiod, and was further described as the wisest and most assertive of the nine. She was the mother of the famous bard Orpheus, who travelled with Jason and the Argonauts to find the Golden Fleece.

Calliope is usually depicted with a book or writing tablet in her hand, and in the painting shown here, she is holding Homer's "Odyssey." The painting was created by Simon Vouet (1590-1649) and the portion seen here is a closeup of part of the oil on panel, as the complete work includes another Muse. Its title is "The Muses Urania and Calliope."

Answer: Urania

Urania was the eldest of her sister Muses, and she was described as having inherited the majesty and power of her father Zeus, with the beauty and grace of her mother Mnemosyne. She inspired mortals shift their focus from mundane earthly matters to celestial ones.

Urania is typically depicted with a globe and compass, with her eyes focused on the heavens above. Sometimes, stars are in her cloak or, as seen in this painting, haloed around her head.

The oil on canvas painting is entitled "Allegorical Portrait of Urania, Muse of Astronomy". The artist is unknown, but what is known is that it was painted by a follower of Louis Tocqué (1696-1772).

Answer: Melpomene

As theatre developed as an art form during the classical period of Ancient Greece, so did Melpomene change in her focus, adding tragic theatre to her portfolio.

When depicted in paintings or sculpture, Melpomene is often wearing or holding a tragic mask in one hand with a knife or club in the other hand, and also wearing the clothing (long-sleeved garment with a high belt) and boots (called cothurnus) associated with tragic actors.

The title of the oil on canvas painting shown here is "Melpomene, The Muse of Tragedy". It was created by Elisabetta Sirani (1638-1665).

Answer: Thalia

In the same way as her sister Melpomene, Thalia's focus shifted over time from being the Muse of the chorus and idyllic poetry to include comedy.

Thalia usually appears in art as a young, joyful woman, holding the comedy mask and often a shepherd's crook or a wreath of ivy, showing the two parts of her representation. At times, she also has a trumpet or bugle, which was used in support of the actors' voices in the comedic theatre.

The painting shown here was created in 1739 by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685-1766). It is an oil on canvas, titled "Thalia, Muse of Comedy".

Answer: The Muse of music and lyric poetry

Euterpe, as the Muse of music and lyric poetry, was invoked to inspire musicians and poets to create beautiful and harmonious works of art. She also played music, herself, and is said to have invented the aulos, or 'double flute.'

When shown in works of art, Euterpe is often seen holding or playing the aulos, and wearing a wreath of myrtle leaves on her head, which was a common adornment for musicians in ancient Greece. Sometimes, the other nine Muses are shown dancing around her while she plays.

The artwork seen here, "The Muse Euterpe (the nine muses, 1782)", is an oil on canvas created by Johann Heinrich Tischbein (1722-1789).

Answer: The Muse of sacred poetry, hymn, and dance and eloquence

Polyhymnia was considered an important Muse, as she was associated with the divine and was often invoked in religious ceremonies and rituals. Her inspiration was believed to come directly from the gods, and her poetry and music were seen as a way to connect with the divine and express devotion and praise. In addition to these primary 'duties,' Polyhymnia was also connected to agriculture and pantomime, and sometimes as also being the Muse of geometry and meditation.

When depicted in art, she is often shown as a pensive, serious figure, sometimes with a lyre or a veil, representing the sacred nature of the music and poetry that she inspires.

The painting shown here is simply titled "Polyhymnia", and was created by Giuseppe Fagnani (1819-1873) in 1869, oil on canvas.

Answer: The Muse of history and storytelling

Clio, sometimes called "The Proclaimer," was the Muse of history and storytelling (often as epic poetry) and in some instances was also the Muse of lyre playing. It is said that she invented the instrument.

Like her sister Polyhymnia, Clio is often depicted with a serious demeanor, as she is the inspiration for serious topics in history and epic poetry. She is typically depicted with a book or a scroll to signify that connection, and often also a lyre. Sometimes, she is seen with a trumpet, which was used in ancient Greece to announce important news or events.

The accompanying painting is titled "The Muse Clio", and it was painted around 1689 by Pierre Mignard I (1612-1695) in the medium of oil on canvas.

Answer: The Muse of dance and choreography

Not to leave you hanging, Terpsichore's name translates as 'delight in dancing,' as I'm sure you've already figured out. In modern English, her name 'terpsichorean' is used with the meaning, "of, or relating to dance." She was also associated with the concept of 'harmony,' as her role in inspiring music and dance was seen as a way to bring order and balance to the world.

Often depicted as a young, beautiful, and graceful woman, Terpsichore is usually seen holding a lyre or a plectrum to symbolize her association with music and poetry, and a crown of laurel leaves, signifying accomplishment.

The painting was created in 1739 by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685-1766) as an oil on canvas, with the simple title of "Terpsichore".

Answer: Erato

Erato was seen as a guide and inspiration for poets and writers who sought to express the beauty and passion of romantic love. Her gift of inspiration and her ability to evoke strong emotions were seen as essential for those who wished to create works of romantic poetry.

Erato is typically depicted as a beautiful and graceful figure, often holding a lyre or a harp to symbolize her association with music and poetry, and sometimes also shown holding a golden arrow, which represents her connection to the god of love, Eros (no actual relation).

The attached painting is actually a portrait of a famous figure of the French Revolution, as seen in the title, "Marie Antoinette as Erato", an oil painting in 1788 by Ludwig Guttenbrunn (1750-1819).