Polyhymnia is the Greek Goddess of Hymns and a member of The Nine Muses.
Genealogy and Family[]
Polyhymnia was the sixth born of The Nine Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, which also consist of Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania.
In some traditions she was described as the mother of Triptolemus by Cheimarrhoos, son of Ares, and of the musician Orpheus by Apollo.
Role and Significance[]
The Nine Muses, goddesses of the arts, literature, science, memory and creative inspiration were believed to give people artistic gifts, help and assist mortals in their creative endeavours and give comfort and healing to the ill and/or heartbroken. As a Muse, Polyhymnia specialised in sacred poetry, sacred hymn, dance, eloquence, agriculture and pantomime.
The Nine were worshipped in temples and shrines across Ancient Greece, but their biggest cults were in Mount Helikon and Pieria in Makedonia. On Mount Parnassus, there was a spring that was sacred to the Muses, this spring was said to flow between two big rocks above Delphi, then down into a large square basin, its water was used by priests and priestesses called the Pythia for oracular purposes including divination.
Personality and Appearance[]
Very serious, pensive and meditative, she is the one who rarely smiles. She does not like people who are extremely active, and she is a very calm, quiet and peaceful Muse. She was often depicted holding a finger to her mouth, dressed in a long cloak and veil and resting her elbow on a pillar. Polyhymnia is also sometimes credited as being the Muse of geometry and meditation.
In Bibliotheca historica, Diodorus Siculus wrote, "Polyhymnia, because by her great (polle) praises (humnesis) she brings distinction to writers whose works have won for them immortal fame...".
Stories[]
Powers and Abilities[]
Polyhymnia has eternal youth, immortality and perfect health. She does not require sleep and does not suffer with the diseases and disorders mortals may have.
Titles and Epithets[]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
Polyhymnia's official Greek name is Πολυμνια.
Her name means 'the one of many hymns'.