Mount Helicon is a mountain prominent in Greek mythology, said to be the place of creative and artistic inspiration. For example, in Theogony, the Muses gift Hesiod a laurel staff: a symbol of poetic authority. Moreover, Callimachus tells the story of Tiresias, who was blinded but also given the gift of prophecy. 'Personal Helicon' reflects that the childhood wells of rural Ireland are Heaney's own haven of inspiration and wisdom.