concept
The Muses (Pierides)
the Muses
also: Pierides, Pierian
Goddesses of poetry and inspiration, called Pierides from Pieria near Olympus. Lucretius invokes them for the "honeyed" charm of verse with which he sweetens his austere philosophy.
Reading notes
- On the Nature of Things §4.1 Pierides
The Muses, named from Pieria near Olympus; Lucretius claims their untrodden springs as the emblem of his original poetry.
- On the Nature of Things §6.2 Muse
The Muses, goddesses of poetry and inspiration; Lucretius invokes Calliope by name as their chief.