Ans. They were the daughters of Jupiter and Mnemo´syne, and were supposed to preside over the liberal arts and sciences.
Ques. How many Muses were there?
Ans. They were nine in number, and each presided over some particular department of literature, art or science. Their names were:
Calli´ope, who was the Muse of epic poetry, she holds in her hand a roll of parchment, or a trumpet.
Clio presided over history. She holds a half opened scroll.
Melpo´mene was the Muse of tragedy. She leans on a club, and holds a tragic mask.
Euter´pe was the patroness of music. She holds two flutes.
Er´ato inspired those who wrote of love. She plays on a nine-stringed lyre.
Terpsich´ore presided over choral dance and song. She appears dancing, and holds a seven-stringed lyre.
Ura´nia, the Muse of astronomy, holds a globe, and traces mathematical figures with a wand.