Once the competition was over, the king’s daughters were turned into chattering magpies for their insulting presumption. But the king’s daughters were no match for the Muses and their talents. He challenged the goddesses in a battle of skills and talent against his daughters. He decided to name them after the Muses and believed that his daughters’ talents rivaled those of the Muses. Their talents made them the winner and they punished Thamyris by blinding him and leaving him unable to sing.Ī more popular myth says that King Pierus of Macedon had nine daughters of his own. In yet another, Thamyris challenged the goddesses to a singing contest. In another, they helped to gather the pieces of Orpheus’ deceased body and bury them. In one myth, the Muses judged a competition between Marsyas and Apollo. Most myths involving the Muses are short but sweet as they usually have a supporting role. Other variations say that they lived on Mt. He also fathered many children with several of the Muses, including Orpheus, son of Calliope. Apollo also had direct contact with the Muses and led them in music. Olympus and entertained Zeus with their artistic talents. It is believed that the goddesses lived on Mt. Nine months later, the Muses were born at the base of Mount Olympus. They laid together for nine consecutive nights. Zeus disguised himself as a shepherd and seduced Mnemosyne. Though there are conflicting variations of their myths, it is widely accepted that the Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. It is believed that the Muses could inspire artists or speak through their words. Some arts associated with the goddesses include science, mathematics, drama, music, and geography. The Muses represented personifications of art and knowledge.

Clio muse of history symbol