Fates and Muses

FATES and MUSES

FATES

The personification of impersonal destiny who sometimes seem to control even Zeus, and others merely to perform his will. The concept developed of three Moiræ (Latin Parcæ) daughters of Zeus and Themis, or of Erebus and Night. The first, Clotho, spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures it, and Atropus cuts it. With Hermes they composed the alphabet.

Muses or Musæ

The daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne who presided over the arts and sciences. Originally three in number, Hesiod later named nine. The normal attributions are as listed below but can vary.

Muse Attribute

Clio History

Euterpe Lyric poetry and Music

Thalia Comedy

Melpomene Tragedy

Terpsichore Song and Dance

Erato Mime

Polyhymnia or Polymnia Hymns

Calliope Epic poetry

Urania Astronomy

Charities

Also called the Gratiæ or Graces by the Romans. They were original divinities of nature. In the Iliad only one is personified, Charis, wife of Hephæstus. Later the three Graces appear. Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosyne, friends of the Muses with whom they inhabited Mount Olympus.

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Muses or Musæ
The daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne who presided over the arts and sciences. Originally three in number, Hesiod later named nine. The normal attributions are as listed below but can vary.
Muse	Attribute
Clio	History
Euterpe	Lyric poetry and Music
Thalia	Comedy
Melpomene	Tragedy
Terpsichore	Song and Dance
Erato	Mime
Polyhymnia or Polymnia	Hymns
Calliope	Epic poetry
Urania	Astronomy

Charities
Also called the Gratiæ or Graces by the Romans. They were original divinities of nature. In the Iliad only one is personified, Charis, wife of Hephæstus. Later the three Graces appear. Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosyne, friends of the Muses with whom they inhabited Mount Olympus.