Folklore of the Day

[Amy Wilson]

Greetings, friends!

Not really "folklore" today, but a tidbit from Greek mythology that is of
particular interest to us bardic types.  :)


THE MUSES

- Ninefold Goddess, the source of "in-spiration," or literally "breathing in" 
of "I-deas" or Goddess-spirits within.  The seven-tone musical scale was the
Muses' invention, supposedly based on their "music" of the seven spheres. 
Scipio the Elder said the spheres "produce seven distinct tones; the septenary
number is the nucleus of all that exists.  And men, who know how to imitate
this celestial harmony with the lyre, have traced their way back to the
sublime realm."  

Led by Thalia, who governed music in general, the classical Muses were Clio
(history), Calliope (heroic poetry), Terpsichore (dance), Melpomene (tragedy),
Erato (erotic poetry), Euterpe (flute accompaniments), Polyhymnia (sacred
songs), and Urania, the Celestial Aphrodite of the plane of the fixed stars.


(The above cited from the "The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets")


Here's hoping *your* Muse will inspire you today --

Catelin the Patient
"joyful noise"