This week we begin our journey exploring stories and books influenced by the Nine Muses of Greek mythology, the Goddesses of the arts and sciences, who loved to sing and dance. We'll delve into mythology, fictional retellings of the myths, the science of memory, climb up to the stars, dive into history, delight in comedy, indulge in music, dip your toes in poetry, the complexity of tragedies, and the beauty of ancient love poems. Analyze, question, and explore the symbols of each muse. There are a number of ways we can go with this challenge. Learn more about the nine muses and follow your imagination. The possibilities are unlimited.
We start with Kalliope (Calliope) who is the muse of epic hero poetry and eloquence. Her name means beautifully voiced and her symbols are a wax writing tablet and stylus.
We turn from the antihero of last week to the hero who plays a huge role in epic poetry, characterized by his superhuman strength and valor. From Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to Ezra Pound's Canto's there are a wide variety of epic poems to choose from. This year also happens to be the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri and Italy is celebrating the Father of the Italian language 2021 and even Pope Francis hopes Dante's epic Divine Comedy inspires a whole new generation to engage with the poem.
The wax writing tablet was used for writing everything from lists to homework and Ancient Roman Tablets Reveal Voices of the Earliest Londoners.
Read about The Lives of the Muses: Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired
Read a book which includes Calliope , other Greek Mythological Names, nine muses, or muse in the title or a character in the story.
Read about a character with a beautiful voice or is a musician.
And just for fun Write A Romance Novel And We'll Tell You Which Greek Muse You Are and share the results.
Have fun following rabbit trails!
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I did the "Write a Romance Novel" quiz and got: Polyhymnia: The Muse of Song. When it comes to romance novels, you like them sweet and pure. The simplicity of the traditional stories, the comfort of a happy ending, and the silly but swoon-worthy tropes are what you live for.
ReplyDeleteThat was fun! Thanks for posting it.