![]() ![]() ![]() In Greek and Latin poetry since Horace (d. She is also the mother of several of the Sirens, the divine handmaidens of Kore (Persephone/Proserpina) who were cursed by her mother, Demeter/ Ceres, when they were unable to prevent the kidnapping of Kore (Persephone/Proserpina) by Hades/ Pluto. Her sisters include Calliope (muse of epic poetry), Clio (muse of history), Euterpe (muse of lyrical poetry), Terpsichore (muse of dancing), Erato (muse of erotic poetry), Thalia (muse of comedy), Polyhymnia (muse of hymns), and Urania (muse of astronomy). Melpomene is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Often, she also holds a knife or club in one hand and the tragic mask in the other. Melpomene is often represented with a tragic mask and wearing the cothurnus, boots traditionally worn by tragic actors. The Oxford English Dictionary cites μέλπειν ( melpein - to sing). Melpomene's name is derived from the Greek verb melpô or melpomai meaning "to celebrate with dance and song.". Melpomene on an antique fresco from Pompeii Etymology ![]()
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