Project Summation
The 9 Muses of Greek mythology have served an encompassing purpose over centuries to help those seeking inspiration in matters of science, art, music, and literature. Over time, the specific purposes of the Muses has evolved. In their beginnings, the Muses were called upon, generally as a whole, to inspire poets in story-telling. While they were individually identified, they were only seldomly addressed in particularity (such as Bacchylides' akin to Clio).
During the resurgance of classical antiquity during the Renaissance era, the Muses developed a different sort of purpose. They were painted in such detail that their personal identities became easily characterized. They were often depicted alone or with cherubs or other members of mythology - however, when they were shown in a group, the symbols they carried with them made them still identifiable.
In the modern era, the Muse has a definition all on its own. A Muse is generally recognized today as a woman who provides inspiration to those in need. However, as seen in film as well as other sources, the original intention of the "Muse" is often misrepresented. Also, the characters of the Muses (such as Terpsichore in "Down to Earth") still maintain their original meanings and inspirations, but they are generally unknown. When one thinks of a "Muse" nowadays, they do not think of the nine Muses from mythology but instead of a concept.
The purpose of the Muse has remained the same though: inspirers, leaders, and women who have made a significant different in the cultural life - not only of Greece but of the entire world.
During the resurgance of classical antiquity during the Renaissance era, the Muses developed a different sort of purpose. They were painted in such detail that their personal identities became easily characterized. They were often depicted alone or with cherubs or other members of mythology - however, when they were shown in a group, the symbols they carried with them made them still identifiable.
In the modern era, the Muse has a definition all on its own. A Muse is generally recognized today as a woman who provides inspiration to those in need. However, as seen in film as well as other sources, the original intention of the "Muse" is often misrepresented. Also, the characters of the Muses (such as Terpsichore in "Down to Earth") still maintain their original meanings and inspirations, but they are generally unknown. When one thinks of a "Muse" nowadays, they do not think of the nine Muses from mythology but instead of a concept.
The purpose of the Muse has remained the same though: inspirers, leaders, and women who have made a significant different in the cultural life - not only of Greece but of the entire world.