"To each of the Mousai men assign her special aptitude for one of the branches of the liberal arts . . . for the name of each Mousa, they say, men have found a reason appropriate to her . . . Melpomene, from the chanting by which she charms... the souls of her listeners."
Diodorus Siculus, trans. Oldfather
Originally, Melpomene was the Muse of Singing. Her name means "one who is melodious" and is derived from the Greek root word melpomai, "to celebrate with dance and song". Later, during the Classical era, she became the Muse of Tragedy. In this photo she is holding the mask of tragedy in one hand, a club in the other, and wears a wreath of the vines and grapes of Dionysus.
Originally, Melpomene was the Muse of Singing. Her name means "one who is melodious" and is derived from the Greek root word melpomai, "to celebrate with dance and song". Later, during the Classical era, she became the Muse of Tragedy. In this photo she is holding the mask of tragedy in one hand, a club in the other, and wears a wreath of the vines and grapes of Dionysus.
(statue by Monte Calvo, 2nd century AD. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Denmark)
In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning
