The muses are Greek deities of poetry, literature, music and dance. Traditionally there were nine muses, although others appear occasionally and their names vary. All are female and their function is to pass on their skills and knowledge to mankind. In this way they bring to humanity the purifying power of music, the inspiration of poetry, and divine wisdom.
The muses are frequently shown as dancing and singing at the festivities of the gods and heroes, often led by Apollo. Men and even other immortals who compete with them in song may loose their sight, or even their lives. In one story the sirens join them in a singing competition; the muses win and the sirens loose their wings and fall into the sea.
Followers of the Greek philosophers Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle organized their schools as associations for the cult of muses. Thus the word Museum came to mean a place of education and research.
