Skip to content

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

muse (noun) – 1. (Greek Mythology) Any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
2. (a) A guiding spirit.
(b) A source of inspiration.
3. (Archaic) A poet.

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : The Muses were the nine Greek goddesses who presided over the arts, including music and literature. A shrine to the Muses was called in Latin a Museum (which came to mean “a place for learned occupation”). An artist or poet about to begin work would call on a particular Muse for inspiration, and a poem itself might begin with such a call; thus, Homer’s Odyssey begins, “Sing to me of the man, Muse” (that is, of Odysseus). Today, a muse may be one’s special creative spirit, but some artists and writers have also chosen living human beings to serve as their muses.

Latest

Good Oil Backchat

Good Oil Backchat

Please read our rules before you start commenting on The Good Oil to avoid a temporary or permanent ban.

Members Public
The Politics of Not Wanting To Know

The Politics of Not Wanting To Know

Jihadist attacks are followed not by sober engagement but by a sequence of shock, condemnation and symbolic reassurance. Leaders urge unity, we’re prompted not to ‘look back in anger‘, candles are lit, teddy bears are hugged and attention is steered firmly away from questions of causation.

Members Public