In Greek Mythology, the Muses were 9 ancient Greek goddesses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne.  Apollo, the Olympian god, acted as their leader.

It is said that Zeus slept for 9 consecutive nights next to Mnemosyne and after one year nine daughters were born, each one with a special gift.  Clio, Calliope, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Urania.

Their role was to entertain the Olympian gods at their gatherings by singing and playing music with a lyre. The Muses shared their divine gifts with the people, teaching them poetry, painting, dancing, astronomy and theatre.

 

Clio                   Muse of history. She is depicted with a trumpet or an hourglass, sometimes holding a scroll.

Calliope            Protector of epic poetry, the Muse of eloquence, is depicted holding a writing tablet.

Polyhymnia      The Muse inspiring all hymns and songs in honor of the Gods.

Terpsichore      Muse of lyric poetry and dancing, is depicted holding a lyre.

Erato                 Muse of erotic poetry, holds a type of lyre, the barbitos.

Euterpe             Muse of music, a follower of Dionysus, holds a double flute.

Thalia                Muse of bucolic poetry and comedy, wears an ivy wreath and holds a comic theatrical mask and a stick.

Melpomene     Muse of tragedy. She holds a tragic theatrical mask in one hand and a knife in the other.

Urania              Muse of astronomy and astrology, holds a compass in one hand and a celestial sphere in the other.