Here is the literal definition:
The Muses (Ancient Greek αἱ μοῦσαι, hai moũsai [1]: perhaps from the o-grade of the Proto-Indo-European root *men- "think"[2]) in Greek mythology, poetry, and literature are the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture, that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths. The compliment to a real woman who inspires creative endeavor is a later idea.
- Virgil, in Book I of the Aeneid:
- O Muse! the causes and the crimes relate;
- What goddess was provok'd, and whence her hate;
- For what offense the Queen of Heav'n began
- To persecute so brave, so just a man; [...]
- (John Dryden translation, 1697)
- Dante Alighieri, in Canto II of The Inferno:
- O Muses, O high genius, aid me now!
- O memory that engraved the things I saw,
- Here shall your worth be manifest to all!
- (Anthony Esolen translation, 2002)
- -Wiki
Here are some modern day Muses, from Yoko Ono to Grace Jones to Kate Moss.
