How Many Muses Are There In Greek Mythology?

There are nine muses in Greek mythology. Thought to be the daughters of Zeus, King of Gods and Mnemosyne, Goddess of memory, the muses became symbolic or representative of the arts, sciences and poetry.  In the modern times a muse is often referred to as an inspiration to one's artistic talents.


It was only since the Renaissance period that the nine muses were assigned to their own fields or art forms. Paintings and sculptures had specific references like props or poses which made it easy for a viewer to identify the different muses and associate them with their specific fields. The nine muses with their fields of art forms are: Calliope (chief of the muses and epic poetry); Clio (muse of history); Urania (muse of astronomy); Thalia (muse of comedy and bucolic poetry); Polyhymia (muse of sacred songs); Melpomene (muse of tragedy); Erato (muse of erotic poetry); Euterpe (muse of lyrical song); Terpsichore (muse of dance).