The Muses are generally thought of as a group of nine Goddesses and were often honoured in this way. Each of them, however, is happy to be honoured as an individual. 
    Each is thought to preside over a different form of art. Over the centuries poets attempted to identify which Goddess with her art. These are the fixed links of Classical mythology: Clio, Goddess of history; Euterpe, Goddess of song and music; Terpsichore, Goddess of dance; Erato, Goddess of love poetry; Polyhymnia, Goddess of hymns and sacred poetry; Urania, Goddess of the 'exact sciences' of mathematics and the science of the heavens - astronomy.; Thalia, Goddess of comedy and pastoral poetry; Calliope, Goddess of epic poetry; and Melpomene, Goddess of tragedy.

In ancient times these Goddesses were widely honoured throughout Greece and were often linked with the God Apollo. Great festivals were held every five years at Thespiae were poetic contests were held and ever since that time many great thinkers believed their gifts to come from the Muses.
    There are myths about the Muses which suggest they are intolerant of competition and easily offended. But in truth these gentle Goddesses do not harbour jealousy nor would they punish mortals for enjoying talents which they themselves have bestowed. But they can be tough with rudeness and cruelty.
    The Muses describe themselves as happy, wise Goddesses.

On our first encounter the room filled with swirling, shimmering coloured lights - gold, silver, pale blue, dark blue, orange, green, pink and yellow, all dancing and intermingling. There was a sweet perfume, music and the tinkling sound of women's voices happy with laughter.
    The lights formed themselves into several misty shapes which appeared to separate and blend with each other. It was breathtaking to watch. Then there was a woman's voice:
    "At last!"
Then another voice: "Are they divine?"
They seemed to be talking among themselves then another female voice: "No. Only mortals." Then the sound of more tinkling laughter.
    "We are the great Goddesses the Muses. We bring sweet music with us and peace within your hearts."

The lights continued to shimmer and sparkle, sometimes taking on 'human' shape other times dissolving into showers of stars or changing colours. "We soothe with music and heal with poetry, and strength is gained from the dancing. I am the great Goddess Clio. It is a long time since my name was spoken in worship. In the temples of the Muses mortal women would come with young babies and place an infant at the feet of our statues so that the babe may inherit an artistic gift. Then they came and destroyed our temples and killed many women and babes on the steps."

Then another spoke: "I am the Goddess Melpomene. This was a temple of the Muses in one of the most northern places in Greece, practically on the border with another country."
    '...They led me gently to see great wooden doors of a temple. I heard singing and in through the doorway appeared a procession of people led by two girls casting petals on the floor before them. The procession entered the temple and formed a great circle facing the center of the floor.
    "This day was our special celebration." 
    '...Then next six pretty young girls about 14 years old entered the temple and began to dance in the middle, very slow and graceful. Several other younger girls with flowers made ready for the next dance. One of them noticed something in the doorway and ran across to look. Suddenly she recoiled as if hurled back, coughing. Behind her there appeared great billows of choking black smoke which soon spread inward to set everyone else coughing.
    I saw the people panic and try to escape but were driven back as flames came in the doorway. Some people fell to the floor choking as outside on the steps another group of people were throwing wood to increase the fire and shouting and cheering.'
    "All were suffocated by the fumes by those who had gone over to a new faith called Christianity."
    '...Next I was shown a great bonfire in a city street surrounded by soldiers in ancient military uniform. There are men directing the soldiers, helping them throw parchments and scrolls into the flames; other armed men holding back onlookers, some of whom were crying. One old lady tried to crawl beneath a soldier's spear to reach a scroll but she is kicked over.' 
    "This is the truth that was written about us, how we were seen and heard." Around other buildings I could see more bonfires and robed figures laden with scrolls and parchments staggering down steps and throwing them onto the bonfires. 
    "This is Rome. And this is what happened to years of work. Writings about the Gods and Goddesses. Do not be sad. Written words are eternal."

/...continued

Temple Diaries: Melpomene's Resting Palace
Temple Diaries:Terpsichore and the Dance of Nature
Temple Diaries: Erato and the Circle of Stone

Festival of the Muses - January 9th-11th