Understanding Hoffman
What is a muse?

A muse is a mythical goddess or the power regarded as a poet's inspiration.

Ancient Greek mythology includes nine mythical goddesses who are sister muses.
They are concerned with creative inspiration and the guiding of genius.

These are said to be daughters of the Greek God Zeus and Mnemosyne.
The muses presided over such elements as song and poetry,
and the various arts and sciences.


The sister muses are:
 
Calliope, whose concern is epic poetry;  Clio, history;
Erato, lyric or love poetry;  Euterpe, music or flutes;
Melpomene, tragedy;  Polyhymnia, sacred poetry or mime;
Terpischore, dancing and choral song;  Thalia, comedy;
and Urania, astronomy.
 

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