The Muses are the Greek goddesses who preside over the arts and sciences and inspire those who excel in these fields. Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. They were the personification of the poetic inspiration that hypothetically drifted through the poet's mind. The Muses of Greek mythology had one of the most important functions of all: to inspire poets and promote the arts and sciences. The lucky person they inspired was praised by everyone and considered superior to the common individual. There are many different myths about muses. At first it was said that there were only three original muses, Aoide meaning song or voice, Melete meaning practice or occasion, and Mneme meaning memory. These three were thought to be fathered by Apollo. Over time, there were nine muses, each providing some form of literature, art or science. The nine muses are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. Mnemosyne slept with Zeus for nine consecutive nights and gave birth to nine daughters. One myth says that they were given to the god Apollo and the nymph Eufimus and were charged with the responsibility of inspiring poets and musicians and promoting the arts and sciences. Another myth says that the nine goddesses sat on Mount Olympus, near the throne of Zeus, where they were responsible for the arts and sciences. Many loved the muses and went to them for inspiration. They left gifts or sacrifices where they resided. The gifts would consist of water, milk or honey. They were said to worship Apollo, the God dearest to them, they were his faithful disciples. As they grew up, they showed their penchant for the arts, taught by the god Apollo himself. Apollo was often called the Museg...... middle of paper ... lovers. She is depicted holding a lyre, love arrows and bows. Polymnia the muse of sacred poetry, hymns and eloquence. She was the protector of divine hymns and the art of mime, she invented geometry and grammar. She is depicted looking at the sky, holding a lyre or being very serious, meditative and pensive. Urania the muse of astronomy and astronomical writings. She is the protector of celestial objects and stars, she invented astronomy. It was said that she was able to predict the future thanks to the arrangement of the stars. She has been depicted carrying stars with an arc compass and a celestial globe which she points to with a rod. Finally, Thalia the muse of comedy. She was the protector of comedy. She discovered comedy, geometry, architectural sciences and agriculture. She was also protector of the Symposiums. She was always depicted holding a theatrical comedy mask.