THE NINE GREEK MUSES

Kalliope (Epic Poetry)

Kleio (History)

Erato (Love Poetry)

Euterpe (Music)

Melpomene (Tragedy)

Polymnia (Hymns)

Terpsichore (Dance)

Thaleia (Comedy)

Ourania (Astronomy)

“Where Have All the Muses Gone?” is an amusing article written in The Wall Street Journal about the Muses.

From Hesiod’s WORKS AND DAYS

The Ages of Man

The Golden race of mortal men — this race thrives under the reign of Kronos and is made by the Olympian gods (Zeus, et al.). They live like the immortals, without strife or toil.

The Silver race of mortal men — this race is inferior to the Golden one, even though they too were created by the Olympian gods. They remain children for 100 years, and then became petulant and violent adults. They commit crimes against each other and refuse to honor the gods.

The Bronze race of mortal men — this race is also made by Zeus and fashioned from the Ash tree. They are a warring race who live off of meat and use bronze tools and weapons. They are the first race to go to Hades upon their death.

The Divine race of heroes — this is the semi-divine race, the demi-gods and heroes we see in the “Odyssey” and the “Iliad.” This race wars as well, but when they die Zeus lets them dwell in the Isles of the Blessed Ones.

The Iron race of mortal men — this is Hesiod’s race (ours, as well). There is no end to their daily toil and strife because the gods bring about many troubles for them.