Muse of dance. Greek muses. Description and attributes. Muse Thalia - the muse of comedy

03.03.2020

The Muse of Dance in Greek Mythology. Considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing.Popular image and symbol in art. According to Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of spectators in the benefits shown in art.

Among the other nine muses, the daughter of Zeus and the Titanide Mnemosyne. Sister Calliope - muses of epic poetry; Clio - muses of history; Melpomene - muses of tragedy; Talia - the muses of comedy; Polyhymnia - muses of sacred hymns; Euterpes – muses of poetry and lyricism; Erato - muses of love and wedding poetry; Urania - the muses of science. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (uranos) of those who comprehended her art.

Her epithet is “enjoying round dances.” She was depicted as a young woman with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre. Terpsichore appears in a simple tunic with a lyre in her hands, and an ivy wreath on her head.

This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her an attribute of this god - ivy (as stated in the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore).

According to one legend, Terpsichore gave birth to sirens from the god of the river Aheloy (as an option: sirens are the children of Melpomene). According to another myth, Terpsichore is the mother of the singer Lin (as an option: his mother is Urania).

The Russian group Splin dedicated an entire song to Terpsichore. The asteroid (81) Terpsichore, discovered in 1864, is named in honor of the muse. There is a mention of the muse in the first chapter of Pushkin's Eugene Onegin.

My goddesses! what do you? where are you?

Hear my sad voice:

Are you still the same? other maidens,

Having replaced you, they didn’t replace you?

Will I hear your choirs again?

Will I see the Russian Terpsichore

Soul-filled flight?

Terpsichore as depicted by artists

Boucher Francois, French painter. "Terpsichore".

Terpsichore is (ancient Greek Τερψιχόρη) - the muse of dance. A character from ancient Greek myths, a popular image and symbol in art.
Muse patron of dance
One of the 9 Muses, goddess of dance (Greek mythology)
Patroness of dance and choral singing
One of the attributes of this muse is ivy, which connects her with the cult of Dionysus
Muse of dancing
Patron of music and dance
Muse, patroness of dancing
The name of this muse means "dancing"

Megaera (ancient Greek Μέγαιρα, “envious”) - in ancient times Greek mythology the most terrible of the three Erinyes, goddesses of vengeance, the daughter of Erebus and Nyukta (either born of Night and Tartarus, or born from drops of blood that gushed during the castration of Uranus).
Greek goddess of vengeance
Goddess of Vengeance
Greek Erinia
One of the three Erinyes in ancient greek mythology
Goddess of blood feud
One of the goddesses of vengeance, depicted as an old woman with snakes instead of hair (Greek mythology)
In Greek mythology, one of the three Erinyes, sister of Alecto and Tisiphone (mythical)
A very evil woman (named after the goddess of vengeance in Greek mythology)
J. evil woman, on behalf of one of the three furies

Dike, Dike, Dika (ancient Greek Δίκη, “right, justice, truth”) - in ancient Greek mythology, Ora, the goddess of truth, understood as the single law of the world order.
In Greek mythology, one of Or, the goddess of justice, daughter of Zeus and Themis
Deity of justice, close in spirit to the goddesses Adraste and Themis, daughter of Zeus and Themis

Elizabeth (Bitsy) Andrea Tulloch (born January 19, 1981, San Diego, California) is an American actress.
(Blooming) one of Or (spring), goddess of flowering plants
In Greek mythology, one of Or (spring), the goddess of flowering plants

Charites (ancient Greek Χάριτες from χάρις, “grace, charm”) - in ancient Greek mythology, three goddesses of fun and joy of life, the personification of grace and attractiveness.
In Greek mythology, beneficent. goddess - one of the Three Graces, Three Goddesses who personified Beauty, Love, Pleasure
Each of the daughters of Zeus and the oceanid Eurynome in ancient Greek mythology
In Greek mythology, a beneficent goddess
Female name: (Greek) after the deity of beauty and joy

Hellas gave the world not only fascinating myths about gods and heroes. Muses Ancient Greece, these images of the daughters of Zeus, have long been associated with art, inspiration, insight, dreams and bright moments. Each of them was endowed with special features and attributes, people turned to them for blessings and opened temples in honor of the muses. Who were these nine muses and what mark did they leave on world culture?

Muses of Ancient Greece. Artist Yannis Stefanidis www.art-book.gr/

9 Muses of Ancient Greece

As the Greeks believed, each of the most important areas of life has its own patroness. And since their mother was Mnemosyne, who personified memory, “muse” is translated as “thinking.” And the habitat of the nine muses was certainly mountains (Helikon or Parnassus) with clear springs and shady forests. Here they danced to the sounds of the lyre of the god Apollo. It is precisely this kind of plot that can often be seen in ancient frescoes and in the paintings of European artists who were inspired by Greek mythology.

Muse Kalliopi

Calliope (Καλλιόπη) patronized epic poetry and rhetoric and was considered the noblest of muses. She was often depicted in a dreamy pose with a stylus (writing stick) and tablets or with a scroll.

Calliope was often perceived by the Greeks as the main of all muses - it was not for nothing that her head was decorated with a laurel or gold wreath. This muse symbolized love for their land, so warriors who went into battle took her images with them. Knowing how to speak fiery speeches and distinguished by her eloquence, Calliope instantly awakened heroism and a sense of sacrifice in a person.

According to some sources, Calliope was considered a virgin; according to other versions, she was the mother of Orpheus, Linus or Iolemus from Apollo. Some even claimed that Homer was her son.

Euterpe (Ευτέρπη) was considered the muse of lyric poetry and music, who was often depicted in the company of forest nymphs. She was called the Giver of Pleasure.

Among other muses, she stood out for her sophistication and femininity, and the gods could enjoy her poems endlessly. Euterpe's attributes were the musical instruments syringa and aulos (progenitors of the flute and oboe), as well as a flower wreath.

From the union of Euterpe and the river god Strymon, the hero Risos was born. He commanded a detachment of Thracians in Trojan War and was killed by Diomedes, as described in Homer’s Iliad.

One of the most famous muses, whose name is familiar to everyone, is Melpomene (Μελπομένη). She was not only the patroness of tragedy, but also the mother of the owners of enchanting voices, who challenged the muses and quite expectedly lost - the gods turned them into sirens.

Then Melpomene, regretting the fate of her daughters, forever acquired her attributes: a tragic mask, a theatrical robe and a sword as a reminder of the inevitability of punishment for those who violate the will of the gods.

Melpomene, along with other muses, accompanied Apollo. She is considered the creator of varvitos - ancient string instrument type of lyre. Through disasters and failures, the muse has experienced tragedy from all sides, but triumph is always born in tragedy. human spirit, which is what Melpomene shows people.

As the opposite of Melpomene - Waist (Θάλεια). This muse of comedy was portrayed with a comic mask. Unlike her sister, she was characterized by optimism and a light disposition, which was the reason for quarrels with Melpomene, and she was closest to Terpsichore.

There is a widespread interpretation that the mask in Talia’s hand symbolized laughter. But more and more often there are versions that the masks of this muse and Melpomene meant the acting of a person in the theater of the gods. Thalia was considered a deity good mood and fun.

As for the muse Erato (Ερατώ), she patronized lyric or love poetry, and was also a defender of love and marriage.

Erato inspired poets to create romantic works, and its constant attributes were the tambourine and the lyre. She was often depicted completely naked.

As a symbol eternal love- roses decorating the head. Inspired by Erato, poets and musicians created such works that any couple in love who heard them immediately felt the desire to be together forever.

But Polyhymnia (Πολύμνια) in mythology she was considered the muse of pantomime and hymns. She patronized the study of oratory and the writing of hymns. Hence the most ancient interpretation of her name: πολύ + ύμνος . It was for her ancient world was grateful for the ritual dances and songs that glorified olympian gods, and it was by her will that the speaker’s speech became fiery.

This muse was always represented as serious, immersed in thought, sometimes with a finger pressed to her lips in a call for silence. Later version of her name πολύ + μνεία meant help in learning, in memorizing, that is, here she approaches Mnemosyne.

With faith in the powers of Polyhymnia, the Greeks went to important performances - they just had to call her in advance so that the muse had time to bestow the person with the necessary oratorical qualities. Polyhymnia was sometimes also considered the muse of geometry, meditation and agriculture.

Muse Terpsichore (Τερψιχόρη), in turn, was “responsible” for choral singing and dancing. She was often depicted playing the lyre or in the pose of a dancer.

It is believed that the art of Terpsichore symbolized the unity of spiritual impulses, natural principles and body movements. It was the expression of the complete unity of man and nature that was the main goal of the dances. If a dancer wanted to learn to move to the rhythm of his heart, he immediately called Terpsichore for help.

In mythology, the patroness of history was Clio (Κλειώ), who was depicted with a spiritual and thoughtful face. In her hands she held either a papyrus scroll or a scroll box. Clio's head was decorated laurel wreath- a symbol of nobility. She was often depicted with an hourglass or with a bugle, which she blew to announce some glorious event.

The muse inspired a love of the past and history, which was always valuable to the Greeks. Clio included even the smallest events in her scrolls - nothing escaped her attention or was forgotten. She was responsible for the accuracy of the description of events, both verbally and in writing.

Somehow Clio allowed herself irony about Aphrodite’s feelings for Adonis; in retaliation for this, she sent Clio a passion for the hero Pierre (from his name - the Greek region of Pieria). As a result of this relationship, Clio had a son, Iakinthos.

Another, ninth, muse - Urania (Ουρανία). This muse patronized astronomy and astrology and was one of the wisest daughters of Zeus. She always had a compass in her hands to determine the distances between the stars and a globe.

Moreover, the Greeks considered Urania the patroness of other sciences, including. It is interesting that this muse, like the others, did not patronize art, but therefore symbolized the complete harmony of music, poetry and the celestial spheres - one is impossible without the other. Urania was often credited with the qualities of a soothsayer.

Urania's place of residence was the celestial sphere, the sky - ουρανός.

Worship of the Muses in Culture

The muses of Ancient Greece, although they were a figment of the imagination, made a very real contribution to world culture. It is enough to remember how many poems and poems were dedicated to them, not to mention the very name “muse”, which became a household word. Among the poets who sang them were Byron, Yesenin, Fet, Pushkin and, of course, Homer. In honor of them, museums were built - temples that concentrated artistic and cultural life Greece. The most famous was the Alexandria Museum, and later this word gave rise to the name “museum”.

The muses inspired famous artists who portrayed them as they imagined them. For example, Gustave Moreau transferred images of muses to the canvas “Apollo and the 9 Muses,” in which the girls float carefree behind a seated Apollo. Also, Jean-Marc Nattier turned to the images of muses in the film “Thalia” and Eustache Lesueur in the film “The Muses”. Andrea Appiani depicted the muses on Parnassus dancing to the lyre of Apollo. The sculpture also embodies many images of muses. In addition to Greece itself, their statues can be seen in the Hermitage, and the most valuable sarcophagus with bas-reliefs of muses is exhibited in the Louvre.

Elena Meteleva

Muse of dance in Greek mythology. Considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. A popular image and symbol in art. According to Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of spectators in the benefits shown in art.

This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her an attribute of this god - ivy (as stated in the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore).

My goddesses! what do you? where are you?

Hear my sad voice:

Are you still the same? other maidens,

Having replaced you, they didn’t replace you?

Will I hear your choirs again?

Will I see the Russian Terpsichore

Soul-filled flight?

Terpsichore as depicted by artists

Boucher Francois, French painter. "Terpsichore".

Very often in our lives we come across such phrases as: “visited by a muse”, “muse of poetry” and many others in which the word muse is mentioned. However, what does it mean? This concept comes from ancient mythology. The Greek muses are nine sisters, patronesses of the arts and sciences. They are the daughters of Zeus himself and each of them has their own unique divine abilities. Let's take a closer look at them.

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So, as stated earlier, the muses are the daughters of Zeus and the Titanide Mnemosyne, who is the goddess of memory. The very word muses (muses) comes from the Greek word “thinking”. The Muses were usually depicted as young and beautiful women. They possessed the gift of prophecy and were favorably disposed towards creative people: poets, artists, actors, in every possible way encouraging and helping them in their activities. However, for special offenses, the muses could deprive a person of inspiration. To prevent this from happening, the ancient Greeks built special temples in honor of the muses, which were called museions. It is from this word that the word “museum” comes from. The patron saint of the muses themselves was the god Apollo. Let's now take a closer look at each of the muses.

Muse Calliope - muse of epic poetry

The name of this muse from Greek can be translated as “having beautiful voice" According to Diodorus, this name arose at the moment when the “beautiful word” (kalen opa) was pronounced. She is eldest daughter Zeus and Mnemosyne.

Calliope is the mother of Orpheus, the muse of heroic poetry and eloquence. It evokes a feeling of sacrifice, encouraging a person to overcome his selfishness and fear of fate. Calliope wears a golden crown on her brow - a sign that she dominates other muses, thanks to her ability to introduce a person to the first steps on the path to his liberation. Calliope was depicted with a waxed tablet or scroll and a slate stick in her hands - a stylus, which was a bronze rod, the pointed end of which was used to write text on a wax-covered tablet. The opposite end was made flat to erase what was written.

Muse Clio - patroness of history

The accompanying attributes of this muse are a scroll of parchment or a tablet - a board with writing. Clio reminds us of what a person can achieve and helps him find his purpose.

According to Diodorus, the name comes from the word “Kleos” - “glory”. The etymology of the name is “giver of glory.” From Pierre, the Greek muse Clio had a son, Hyakinthos. Love for Pierre was inspired by Aphrodite for condemning her love for Adonis.

Muse Melpomene - muse of tragedy

In Greek mythology, Melpomene is considered the muse of the tragic genre. The name, according to Diodorus, means “melody that pleases listeners.” The image is anthropomorphic - it was described as a woman with a bandage, grape or ivy wreath on her head. Always has permanent attributes in the form of a tragic mask, sword or club. The weapon carries symbolism of the inevitability of divine punishment.

Melpomene is the mother of the sirens - sea creatures who personified the deceptive but charming surface of the sea, under which sharp cliffs or shoals are hidden. Inherited sirens from their mother muse divine voice, which lured sailors.

Muse Thalia - the muse of comedy

Thalia, or in another version Phalia, is in Greek mythology the muse of comedy and light poetry, the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. She was depicted with a comic mask in her hands and an ivy wreath on her head.

From Thalia and Apollo were born the Corybantes - the mythical predecessors of the priests of Cybele or Rhea in Phrygia, in wild enthusiasm, with music and dancing, serving the great mother of the gods. According to Diodorus, she received her name from prosperity (talleyn), which was glorified in poetic works for many years.

Zeus, turning into a kite, took Thalia as his wife. Out of fear of Hera's jealousy, the muse hid in the depths of the earth, where demonic creatures were born from her - paliki (in this myth she is called the nymph of Etna).

Muse Polyhymnia - muse of solemn hymns

Polyhymnia is the muse of solemn hymns in Greek mythology. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the creation of many praises (dia polles himneseos) fame to those whose name was immortalized by poetry. She patronizes poets and hymn writers. It is believed that she keeps in memory all the hymns, songs and ritual dances that glorify the Olympian gods, and she is also believed to have invented the lyre.

Polyhymnia is often depicted with a scroll in her hands, in a thoughtful pose. Polyhymnia patronizes people's study of rhetoric and oratory, which turns the speaker into an instrument of truth. She personifies the power of speech and makes a person’s speech life-giving. Polyhymnia helps to understand the mystery of the word as a real force with which you can inspire and revive, but at the same time injure and kill. This power of speech is inspiring on the path to truth.

Muse Terpsichore - muse of dance

Terpsichore is the muse of dance. According to Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of spectators in the benefits shown in art. Tsets also names her name among the Muses. She is considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. She was depicted as a young woman, with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre.

Characteristic attributes: wreath on the head; in one hand she held a lyre and in the other a plectrum. This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her an attribute of this god - ivy (as stated in the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore).

Muse Urania - muse of astronomy

Urania is the muse of astronomy. The attributes of Urania were: a celestial globe and a compass. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (uranos) of those who comprehended her art. According to one version, Urania is the mother of Hymen.

Urania personifies the power of contemplation; she calls us to leave the external chaos in which man exists and to immerse ourselves in the contemplation of the majestic running of the stars, which is a reflection of fate. This is the power of knowledge, the power that pulls towards the mysterious, pulls towards the high and beautiful - towards the Sky and the Stars.

Muse Euterpe - muse of lyric poetry

Euterpe (ancient Greek Εὐτέρπη “amusing”) - in Greek mythology, one of the nine muses, daughters of Zeus and the Titanide Mnemosyne, the muse of lyrical poetry and music. She was depicted with a lyre or flute in her hands.

Mother of Res by the river god Strymon. According to the etymology of Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of listeners who receive the benefits of education. Tsets also names her name among the Muses.

Muse Erato - muse of love poetry

Erato is the muse of lyrical and love poetry. Her name is derived from the name of the god of love Eros. According to Diodorus, she received her name in honor of the ability to be “eperasta” (desired for love and passion).

Born as a result of the union of Mnemosyne and Zeus. From Mala Erato she gave birth to Cleophema. The attribute of the muse is cithara. This divine heroine of Greek mythology is mentioned quite often in Hellenic legends.

In addition, Virgil and Apollonius of Rhodes resorted to symbolism associated with the image of the Greek muse Erato in their works. She knows how to inspire love for everything living in the soul with her art of transforming everything into beauty hidden beyond the physical.

Based on Wikipedia materials

Today I saw the Muse, the patroness of the art of Dance. The ancient Greeks called it Terpsichore, and this name itself bears the imprint of rhythm and harmony...
But no one pronounces this name anymore, and no one engages in art anymore. All aspects of our lives are marked by traces of decay, and the throne of the Muse of Dance was also captured by the cult of decadence and degeneration, when the mask of dance was put on with clumsy body movements imitating animal instincts.
Terpsichore and dance were not invented by the ancient Greeks for the sake of entertainment and pastime. Muse and dance are the result of thoughtful contemplation of Nature, where everything moves in rhythm according to unwritten laws.
To understand the spirit of the dance, it is enough to immerse yourself in the rustle of dense foliage. Without leaving the branches, the leaves dance and sing, giving birth to a symphony of green shades, enchanting the eye and ear. It is enough to sit on the seashore for a minute, turning your face towards it, and surrender to the will of the tireless rhythm with which the waves rush onto the shore. It is enough to follow the flight of a bird or a falling leaf. autumn time. Just look at how the clouds dance in the sky, alternately taking on thousands of fantastic forms. In the end, it is enough just to be able to read that open book, the pages of which life turns before us every day, but in which we value - and even then not always - only the cover.
If the eyes do not see, then the body cannot dance. The piece of matter that we call the body only thrashes and writhes, as if in painful convulsions, and does not move in a harmonious rhythm. What remains is a creature that unfeignedly craves carnal satisfaction, and not the spiritual pleasure of beauty.
If the eyes do not see, then there are no sounds to compose music from. If beautiful melodies were to sound, they would awaken in our body the desire to move to the beat, in harmony and in proportion. But we are surrounded by flashy, aggressive music, built on dissonance, or cloyingly sweet and slyly tender, and the lyrics are clearly dictated by degenerate fashion or political system, which is also popular today.
Behind all this tinsel the truth is not visible. And it lies in the fact that dance is dead, and its death is the victory of materialism, which promises false freedom that will never be achieved for the simple reason that it does not exist in the worlds where they are trying to find it. This false freedom is promised by the slogan “do what you want, and it will be my way.” Or “be more relaxed” - following the imposed fashion. You are obliged to recognize as beautiful that which causes disgust, and, closing your eyes, spin and jump madly, trampling on the very memory of the sacred Muse of rhythm and harmony. Among all the falsehood and meaninglessness of words, young people are not only hopelessly far from being able to dance; in their jumping and bodily untidiness, they became so depressed and degraded that they completely forgot the grace and grace of movement.
And I called upon Terpsichore. This call was born in the depths of my soul and burst out with force.
And she came to me. Every movement of the Muse breathed grace that clothes could not hide. She walked through time, and her procession was a dance, the movements of which were music itself. No, Terpsichore did not die, because beauty never dies. I thought that no one would notice her presence, but everything that is Genuine is immutable... The vision was fleeting, but at that moment time and space lost their frightening absoluteness, and fashion modestly bowed down in the face of what eternally was, is and will be.
For just a moment the Muse of Dance was among us. No one knows her name anymore and no one will remember the art that she patronizes, but a vague melancholy has awakened in someone’s wretched body. It lost its wings long ago and can no longer fly or walk. And only it can raise its gaze to a fleeting vision, and the soul begs it to again become the same as before.
After all, the soul can dance. It lives in each of us, and it all depends on how much we ourselves constrain it. If the soul is in awe, the Greeks called it by the name of grace and harmony, Terpsichore. And if she cries, what should we call her?

In ancient Greece, they revered not only the gods who made up the host, but also their children, the deities of the third generation of Olympians. Greece was an enlightened country: the sages, scientists, and philosophers of antiquity left a deep mark on the history of the whole world. It is noteworthy that muses in Greece did not always mean a symbol of inspiration for beauty: music, love, poetry.

The nine daughters of the father of the gods, Zeus, clearly demonstrate the triad: a symbol of absolute harmony. They combined three types: science, craft and real art. The triad is symbolic of Greece, where poetry was valued as highly as the ability to read the stars.

Sages and philosophers rightly believed that each of the muses is necessary for prosperity.

Calliope was the mother of Orpheus, from her the son inherited the ability to feel music. The mother taught her son that every word in poetry should bring back to life the soul of a fallen hero, instill faith and cultivate nobility. The scroll and stylus in her hands were not just symbols. Young warriors leaving for battle could swear that they could hear Calliope writing a new work.

The Greeks considered Calliope the queen of all muses, It’s not for nothing that she has a crowned crown or a laurel wreath on her head. Apollo himself did not dare to interrupt the queen of muses when she spoke fiery speeches about honor, nobility, courage and the purity of the soul of a true warrior. The muse can be considered a symbol of love for one’s homeland, one’s land. Therefore, at one time the Greeks ordered miniature images of Calliope before long journeys. They say that Pallas herself gave such a miniature to her favorite Odysseus, so that his heart would always be filled with purity of thoughts and the desire to return to his native shores.

The ancient Greek historian and keeper of mythology Diodorus wrote about her: “The greatest of muses inspires love for the past”. History is priceless for any people, and especially for the people of Greece. Clio, it was believed, wrote down every event, even the most insignificant, on her scrolls, so that none of the descendants would forget their past.

Mythology describes the conflict between the muse and the beautiful Aphrodite. The muse of history had strict morals, but never knew love. Aphrodite, being the wife of the god Hephaestus, had tender feelings for the young Dionysus. The inexorable muse condemned the goddess for loving a mortal. Aphrodite ordered little son Eros shoots two arrows: one, kindling love, at Clio, and the second, killing feelings, at Pieron. Suffering from unrequited love brought the muse to reason; Clio no longer dared to judge anyone for their feelings.

While studying history, we compiled a book in which we tried to take into account all the features of each of the gods.

According to myths, Clio was friends with Calliope, which is understandable: the muse of patriotism is inseparable from the muse of history. They were depicted almost identically; often the Greeks ordered busts of these muses from only one master.

Melpomene is not only the muse of tragedies, as symbolized by the mournful mask in right hand. The muse is the mother of the fatal sirens who almost killed the Argonauts. Although, according to another version, the mother of the sirens was Terpsichore.

It is interesting that the origin of the sirens is described extremely poorly, as if they appeared out of thin air. Melpomene's two daughters from birth had wondrous voices, but their pride ruined them: in the absence of their mother, they challenged the muses and lost. They were punished for this: according to one version, the Thunderer himself turned them into sirens, according to another, turning them into birds was the work of Poseidon.

Melpomene vowed to forever mourn the fate of her daughters and those who dare to go against the will of heaven. He is always depicted in the robes of theatergoers, with an invariable mask in his hands. But in the second hand there can be either a sword as a symbol of punishment for disobedience and insolence, or a scroll made of parchment. The mantle on her exactly reflects the spirit of Greece of that era: people are toys in the hands of the gods and only take part in the theater of the gods.

Thalia was closest to the muse of tragedy, Melpomene, but never understood her unconditional belief in the inevitability of punishment. According to Cicero, the muses often quarreled over this.
In contrast to her sister, Talia was depicted holding a comedy mask and wearing a wreath of simple ivy. The muse never claimed special attention, but had a cheerful disposition and was distinguished by optimism. According to mythology, it was believed that the comedy mask in her hands was a symbol of laughter, but according to another version, the mask meant about the same thing as the mask in the hands of Melpomene: people’s lives are just acting for the gods.

Thalia was the wife of Apollo, but, according to the myth, the Thunderer kidnapped her to make her his wife. But the muse knew Hera, the wife of Zeus, and understood what awaited her. Horror forced her to seek refuge with the ruler dead world Aida. The gloomy god hid the muse deep underground.

Euterpe stood out among other muses for her special sophistication in the perception of poetry. The entire host of Olympians could listen to her poems for hours, to the quiet accompaniment of Orpheus’ harp. Her attribute is a double flute and a wreath of fresh flowers. She could be depicted surrounded by forest nymphs; according to the records, she became the comforter of the soul of the unfortunate Orpheus after he lost his Eurydice twice.
She was considered the most beautiful of the muses, possessing special sensuality and femininity.

Erato is always portrayed with some kind of cheerful and perky musical instrument: lyre, tambourine. She was glorified by songwriters, calling for inspiration. The muse's head is decorated with beautiful roses as a symbol of the eternity of love.

Erato became a symbol of struggle true love for your rights. The muse sang that even dark kingdom Aida cannot separate loving hearts, they are forever connected by a strong thread. The muse became the creator of a new direction in Greek music - wedding music. Legend has it that the charming Erato became bored at one of the weddings. She handed her lyre to the blind musician and whispered something to him.

It sounded in the huge hall magical music, all the lovers present felt an irresistible desire to be together before and after death. The wondrous music spread farther and farther and now the muse Terpsichore listens to the music, and her chiseled legs beat out a new dance rhythm.

Terpsichore is not just the muse of dances, including wedding ones. Dance should express not just emotions, but a special connection with nature, showing unity with the culture of one’s homeland. The dance of Terpsichore is the absolute perfection of movements of the soul and body. Since ancient times, the Greeks, when learning to dance, learned to listen to music and dance to the rhythm of their heartbeats. Every dancer wanted to learn the perfect movements of the muse, but not everyone was able to do this.

Terpsichore, according to legend, accompanied the god Dionysus everywhere. The god himself was distinguished by the simplicity of his image, so his surroundings also did not stand out with pomp and pretentiousness. The muse appears in a simple tunic with a lyre in her hands, and an ivy wreath on her head.

Polyhymnia, muse of hymns

Polyhymnia was the patroness of speakers; it was in her will to make the speech fiery and life-giving, or people would not hear the speaker’s voice at all. It was believed that as soon as the name of the muse was pronounced before an important performance, Polyhymnia would descend to the requester and spend the whole night instructing and instilling the gift of voice. Without the patronage of the muse of oratory it is impossible to reach hearts, not a single Greek doubted this.

Muse of hymns to the gods. This should be understood as the muse of prayers that people send daily higher powers and their fervor also depends on the will of the daughter of Zeus.

The ninth and wisest of all the daughters of the Thunderer, not counting Athena. It is believed that her name was given to her by her father in honor of Uranus, the god of the heavens long before the appearance of Zeus.

The Muse always holds a globe and a compass in her hands. The latter helps her determine the distances between stars. It was she who stood near Piazzi, inspiring him with the discovery of the first asteroid. The Roman did not immediately hear the muse, but the daughter of Zeus always got her way from her scientific wards. The Greeks considered her the patroness of even those sciences that were far from heavenly.
This muse is revered to this day, everywhere. Even in Russia there is a Urania Museum and in some cities there are full-fledged statues.

The religion of ancient Greece is amazing. It is strikingly different from other religions, causing growing interest. A journey into their world always leaves a mark on a person’s memory, no matter whether he is Greek by birth.

Scenario for the event “Terpsichore – the Muse of Dance”

Age of participants: 7 – 17 years.

Target : Formation of rhythmic movements and various skills in children through music, disclosure of motor, dance and performance abilities, spiritual - moral qualities personalities; improving children's health.

Equipment: musical equipment, stagelighting equipment, scenery, costumes.

Leading: Would you like us to tell you about a miracle?

About the miracle that lives next to us.

What is this, you ask?

Try to guess for yourself!

You cannot touch it with your hand, but you can see and hear it.

It has a soul, a heart, but it takes time to understand it.

And it's called Dance.

Leading: According to ancient Roman legend, Apollo is the patron of the arts. But he has nine wonderful muses. Clio is the muse of history, Thalia is the muse of comedy, Melpomene is the muse of tragedy. But our attention is drawn to another - the muse of dance - Terpsichore. And Her Majesty is visiting us today.

Exit Terpsichore (to the music of a foxtrot and performs a dance performance with the participants of the event).

After the performance, Terpsichore is left alone on stage.

Terpsichore : Today you will learn how and when this wonderful art form - dance - was born, you will visit different countries and be transported, as if in a fantastic time machine, from one century to another.

You love to dance, don't you? Or, at least, the sounds of rhythmic, fiery music do not leave you indifferent? Be that as it may, I invite you to talk about this art.

Terpsichore (addresses the audience in the hall): What do you like about dance?

These are beautiful movements.

This is beautiful music.

Grace, bright costumes.

Dance brings joy.

Terpsichore: Every answer you give contains the word “beauty.” It feels like you touch beauty not only with your mind, but also with your heart.

What does it mean to touch beauty? Here are the reflections of one person: “I picked a flower and it withered. I caught a moth and it died in my palm. And then I realized that you can only touch beauty with your heart.”

Leading: Yes, you need to be able to not only see and feel beauty. Beauty must also be protected! This is the hardest thing. Capturing beauty in the soul, remembering it, always carrying it in the heart - maybe this is what it is highest manifestation human culture?

So today we begin to talk about one of the most exciting, most sublime and beautiful of all arts.

Leading: Terpsichore herself came to us from Ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks highly valued dance. They saw “the unity of mental and physical beauty” in the art of dance. Dancing accompanied public holidays and family celebrations, and was taught in gymnasiums, academies and music schools.

Great development dance art happened in the Middle Ages.

In the Middle Ages, dances decorated folk festivals and home holidays. In the dance ordinary people you can see the glorification of life, the joy of youth, good luck, in them the worship of the sun, the expanse of the fields. Lively rhythm, jumps, circular movements, stomping, jumping - that’s all folk choreography.

We will start our evening with the Sirtaki dance. Let's look into the history of this dance, and we will find out that in fact it is not national Greek dance, as many people think. Sirtaki - popular dance Greek origin, created in 1964 for the film Zorba the Greek. It is not a Greek folk dance, but is a combination of slow and fast versions of the Hasapiko, an ancient butcher's dance.

The “Sirtaki” dance is performed by 9th grade students

Leading: But that's not all! There was other art as well. Let's remember what they danced at the royal courts of Europe inXVI- XVIIcenturies. Who knows? (minuet, gavotte, pass-dream, bourre, galliard, chime, sarabande, chaconne, rigaudon, valt).

But all these dances were created by the people. IN high society the dancing style changed in accordance with court etiquette. In 1661, the Royal Academy of Dance appeared in France. And King Louis of FranceXIVordered dance teachers to meet regularly and talk about dancing, reflect, and take care of their improvement.

By this time, such a form of aristocratic pastime as balls was finally taking shape. The word "ball" means "big dance evening." As is known in our state, balls were introduced by PeterI, then they were called “assemblies”.

Dance "minuet" performed by high school girls with fans

Terpsichore: Now let’s try to remember what kind of dances were in fashion among our grandparents, mothers and fathers.

First came the foxtrot, which in English means a fox or quick step.

In the 20s, Argentine tango captivated everyone. His true homeland is Spain, his sisters are spanish flamenco and habanera.

Czech folk dance“polka” also quickly spread throughout the world at the beginning of the century.

Polka dance performed by 1st grade students

In the 40s XXcentury, many new dances appeared: boogie-woogie, twist, shake. And, of course, the famous rock and roll.

Dance "Rock and Roll" performs Terpsichore with a high school student partner

Each dance quickly appeared and quickly gave way to a new one. And only one remained timeless. He was born before everyone else. And it sounds and under open air, and in clubs for 200 years! The sound of this dance makes you want to spin.

The first bars of amazing music are captivating. And now their sound has captivated us. Waltz was loved by many. And from the first beat and forever!

The world of colors and melodies is always open to us,

And today everyone, everyone is called to this world our waltz!

Dance "Waltz" performed by 11th grade

Leading: Here you and I have come from the Petrovsky Ball to the Ball today, which is called a disco. Here the music sounds completely different, and the dancers’ outfits are no longer the same, there are no fluffy heavy skirts, no high hairstyles with curls. After all, all this interferes modern movements, rhythms.

Make noise, sing, laugh.

At our holiday

Dance whatever you want

The desired hour has come.

Smeshinki - fun

They call us to dance.

Reward for the winners

The Macarena dance is performed by all participants

Very often in our lives we come across such phrases as: “visited by a muse”, “muse of poetry” and many others in which the word muse is mentioned. However, what does it mean? This concept comes from ancient mythology. The Greek muses are nine sisters, patronesses of the arts and sciences. They are the daughters of Zeus himself and each of them has their own unique divine abilities. Let's take a closer look at them.

So, as stated earlier, the muses are the daughters of Zeus and the Titanide Mnemosyne, who is the goddess of memory. The very word muses (muses) comes from the Greek word “thinking”. The muses were usually depicted as young and beautiful women. They had a prophetic gift and treated creative people favorably: poets, painters, actors, in every possible way encouraging and helping them in their activities. However, for special offenses, the muses could deprive a person of inspiration. To prevent this from happening, the ancient Greeks built special temples in honor of the muses, which were called museions. It is from this word that the word “museum” comes from. The patron saint of the muses themselves was the god Apollo. Let's now take a closer look at each of the muses.

Muse Calliope - muse of epic poetry

The name of this muse from Greek can be translated as “one with a beautiful voice.” According to Diodorus, this name arose at the moment when the “beautiful word” (kalen opa) was pronounced. She is the eldest daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne.

Calliope is the mother of Orpheus, the muse of heroic poetry and eloquence. It evokes a feeling of sacrifice, encouraging a person to overcome his selfishness and fear of fate. Calliope wears a golden crown on her brow - a sign that she dominates other muses, thanks to her ability to introduce a person to the first steps on the path to his liberation. Calliope was depicted with a waxed tablet or scroll and a slate stick in her hands - a stylus, which was a bronze rod, the pointed end of which was used to write text on a wax-covered tablet. The opposite end was made flat to erase what was written.

Muse Clio - patroness of history

The accompanying attributes of this muse are a scroll of parchment or a tablet - a board with writing. Clio reminds us of what a person can achieve and helps him find his purpose.

According to Diodorus, the name comes from the word “Kleos” - “glory”. The etymology of the name is “giver of glory.” From Pierre, the Greek muse Clio had a son, Hyakinthos. Love for Pierre was inspired by Aphrodite for condemning her love for Adonis.

Muse Melpomene - muse of tragedy

In Greek mythology, Melpomene is considered the muse of the tragic genre. The name, according to Diodorus, means “melody that pleases listeners.” The image is anthropomorphic - it was described as a woman with a bandage, grape or ivy wreath on her head. Always has permanent attributes in the form of a tragic mask, sword or club. The weapon carries symbolism of the inevitability of divine punishment.

Melpomene is the mother of the sirens - sea creatures who personified the deceptive but charming surface of the sea, under which sharp cliffs or shoals are hidden. From their mother-muse, sirens inherited a divine voice with which they lured sailors.

Muse Thalia - the muse of comedy

Thalia, or in another version Phalia, is in Greek mythology the muse of comedy and light poetry, the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. She was depicted with a comic mask in her hands and an ivy wreath on her head.

From Thalia and Apollo were born the Corybantes - the mythical predecessors of the priests of Cybele or Rhea in Phrygia, in wild enthusiasm, with music and dancing, serving the great mother of the gods. According to Diodorus, she received her name from prosperity (talleyn), which was glorified in poetic works for many years.

Zeus, turning into a kite, took Thalia as his wife. Out of fear of Hera's jealousy, the muse hid in the depths of the earth, where demonic creatures were born from her - paliki (in this myth she is called the nymph of Etna).

Muse Polyhymnia - muse of solemn hymns

Polyhymnia is the muse of solemn hymns in Greek mythology. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the creation of many praises (dia polles himneseos) fame to those whose name was immortalized by poetry. She patronizes poets and hymn writers. It is believed that she keeps in memory all the hymns, songs and ritual dances that glorify the Olympian gods, and she is also believed to have invented the lyre.

Polyhymnia is often depicted with a scroll in her hands, in a thoughtful pose. Polyhymnia patronizes people's study of rhetoric and oratory, which turns the speaker into an instrument of truth. She personifies the power of speech and makes a person’s speech life-giving. Polyhymnia helps to understand the mystery of the word as a real force with which you can inspire and revive, but at the same time injure and kill. This power of speech is inspiring on the path to truth.

Muse Terpsichore - muse of dance

Terpsichore is the muse of dance. According to Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of spectators in the benefits shown in art. Tsets also names her name among the Muses. She is considered the patroness of dancing and choral singing. She was depicted as a young woman, with a smile on her face, sometimes in the pose of a dancer, more often sitting and playing the lyre.

Characteristic attributes: wreath on the head; in one hand she held a lyre and in the other a plectrum. This muse is associated with Dionysus, attributing to her an attribute of this god - ivy (as stated in the inscription on Helicon dedicated to Terpsichore).

Muse Urania - muse of astronomy

Urania is the muse of astronomy. The attributes of Urania were: a celestial globe and a compass. According to Diodorus, she received her name from the aspiration to heaven (uranos) of those who comprehended her art. According to one version, Urania is the mother of Hymen.

Urania personifies the power of contemplation; she calls us to leave the external chaos in which man exists and to immerse ourselves in the contemplation of the majestic running of the stars, which is a reflection of fate. This is the power of knowledge, the power that pulls towards the mysterious, pulls towards the high and beautiful - towards the Sky and the Stars.

Muse Euterpe - muse of lyric poetry

Euterpe (ancient Greek Εὐτέρπη “pleasure”) - in Greek mythology, one of the nine muses, daughters of Zeus and the Titanide Mnemosyne, the muse of lyrical poetry and music. She was depicted with a lyre or flute in her hands.

Mother of Res by the river god Strymon. According to the etymology of Diodorus, it received its name from the pleasure (terpein) of listeners who receive the benefits of education. Tsets also names her name among the Muses.

Muse Erato - muse of love poetry

Erato is the muse of lyrical and love poetry. Her name is derived from the name of the god of love Eros. According to Diodorus, she received her name in honor of the ability to be “eperasta” (desired for love and passion).

Born as a result of the union of Mnemosyne and Zeus. From Mala Erato she gave birth to Cleophema. The attribute of the muse is cithara. This divine heroine of Greek mythology is mentioned quite often in Hellenic legends.

In addition, Virgil and Apollonius of Rhodes resorted to symbolism associated with the image of the Greek muse Erato in their works. She knows how to inspire love for everything living in the soul with her art of transforming everything into beauty hidden beyond the physical.

Based on Wikipedia materials