Euterpe, Goddess of Music and Poetry, Source of Inspiration for Music Creators

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FEMUSINDO.com - Euterpe is one of the Muses, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. At first, Euterpe was the Muse of music. In later developments she became the Muse of poetry and was depicted holding a flute.

She is referred to as the "giver of happiness". Some opinions say she invented the aulos or double flute, although most mythographers consider Marsyas or Athena as the inventor.

Euterpe is a source of inspiration for music creators, known as "The Very Pleasant". Euterpe is the mother of Rhesus, a warrior who died at the hands of Diomedes in Troy.

The role of Euterpe, along with her sisters, entertains the gods on Mount Olympus. She inspired the development of liberal arts and fine arts in ancient Greece, which inspired poets, playwrights and writers such as Homer.

Traditionally, musicians would ask Euterpe to inspire, guide and help them in their compositions. Such requests can take the form of prayers for divine inspiration from the goddess.

Euterpe is usually depicted with a wreath of flowers in her hair and carrying a double flute. In other depictions, she sometimes carries musical instruments, such as the violin, guitar and drum.

Together with her sister Muses, Euterpe was believed to live on Mount Olympus where she and her sisters entertained their father and the other Olympian gods with their great artistry.

Later, tradition also placed them on Mount Helicon in Boeotia where the main center of worship for the goddesses was, or on Mount Parnassus where the Castalian springs were a favorite destination for poets and artists. (*)