43
According to the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, the Muses were the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. They presided over different aspects of human creativity, including poetry, song, and dance. The Roman writer Virgil called them “the sources of all things”.
The Muses were often invoked in works of art and literature from classical antiquity onward. In later times they came to be regarded as personifications of particular arts or sciences, or as symbols of inspiration or genius more generally.
The word “muse” can also refer to someone who is a source of inspiration for an artist or writer. This usage derives from the idea that the Muses provide inspiration for creative endeavors.