MNEMOSYNE - Greek Titan Goddess of Memory (Roman Moneta) Mnemosyne Mnemosyne, Greco-Roman Antioch mosaic C2nd A.D., Hatay Archeology Museum MNEMOSYNE was Titan goddess of memory and remembrance and the inventress of language and words. As a Titan daughter of Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven), Mnemosyne was also a goddess of time. She represented the rote memorisation required to preserve the stories of history and the sagas of myth before the introduction of writing. In this role she was the mother of the Mousai (Muses) who were originally patron goddesses of poets of the oral tradition. Finally Mnemosyne was a minor oracular goddess like her sister-Titanesses. She presided over the underground oracle of Trophonios (Trophonius) in Boiotia (Boeotia). The Titanis (Titaness) Mnemosyne was sometimes named as one of three Elder Mousai (Muses) , who preceded the nine daughters of Zeus as goddesses of music.

FAMILY OF MNEMOSYNE [1.2] AITHER (or OURANOS ) & GAIA (Hyginus Preface) OFFSPRING [1.1] THE MOUSAI (by Zeus ) (Hesiod Theogony 53, Homeric Hymn IV, Orphic Hymn 76 & 77, Pindar Isthmian Ode 6, Terpander Frag 4, Alcman Frag 8, Apollodorus 1.13, Antoninus Liberalis 9, Hyginus Preface, Cicero De Natura Deorum 3.21) [1.2] THE MOUSAI (by Zeus ) (Pindar Paean 7, Terpander Frag 4, Aristotle Frag 842, Plato Theaetetus 191c) ENCYCLOPEDIA MNEMO′SYNE (Mnêmosunê), i. e. memory, a daughter of Uranus, and one of the Titanides, became by Zeus the mother of the Muses. (Hom. Hymn. in Merc. 429; Hes.

Theog. 54, 915; Diod. v. 67; Orph. Hymn. 76; Cic. De Nat. Deor. iii. 21.) Pausanias (i. 2. § 4) mentions a statue of Mnemosyne at Athens; and near the oracle of Trophonius she had a sacred well and a throne. (Paus. ix. 39. § 4, &c.) MNEME (Mnêmê), i. e. memory, was one of the three Muses that were in early times worshipped at Ascra in Boeotia. (Paus. ix. 29. § 2.) But there seems to have also been a tradition that Mneme was the mother of the Muses, for Ovid (Met. v. 268) calls them Mnemonides; unless this be only an abridged form for the daughters of Mnemosyne. Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

ALTERNATE NAME SPELLINGS Mnemosyne goddess of memory, Greco-Roman Antioch mosaic C2nd A.D., Hatay Archeology Museum Hesiod, Theogony 132 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "She [Gaia, Earth] lay with Ouranos (Uranus, Sky) and bare deep-swirling Okeanos (Oceanus), Koios (Coeus) and Krios (Crius) and Hyperion and Iapetos (Iapetus), Theia and Rhea, Themis and Mnemosyne and gold-crowned Phoibe (Phoebe) and lovely Tethys. After them was born Kronos (Cronus)." Pindar, Paean 7 (trans. Sandys) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "But I pray to Mnamosyna (Mnemosyne), the fair-robed child of Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven)." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 2 ff (trans.

Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Ouranos (Uranus, Sky) . . . fathered other sons on Ge (Gaea, Earth), namely the Titanes (Titans) : Okeanos (Oceanus), Koios (Coeus), Hyperion, Kreios (Crius), Iapetos (Iapetus), and Kronos (Cronus) the youngest; also daughters called Titanides (Titanesses) : Tethys, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe (Phoebe), Dione, and Theia." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5. 66. 1 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "The Titanes (Titans) numbered six men and five women, being born, as certain writers of myths relate, of Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven) and Ge (Gaea, Earth), but according to others, of one of the Kouretes (Curetes) and Titaia (Titaea), from whom as their mother they derive the name they have.

The males were Kronos (Cronus), Hyperion, Koios (Coeus), Iapetos (Iapetus), Krios (Crius) and Okeanos (Oceanus), and their sisters were Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe (Phoebe) and Tethys. Each one of them was the discover of things of benefit to mankind, and because of the benefaction they conferred upon all men they were accorded honours and everlasting fame." Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 29. 1 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "The sons of Aloeus (Aloadae) held that the Mousai (Muses) were three in number, and gave them the names Melete (Practice), Mneme (Memory), and Aoide (Aeode, Song). But they say that afterwards Pieros (Pierus), a Makedonian (Macedonian) . . . came to Thespiae [in Boiotia] and established nine Mousai (Muses), changing their names to the present ones . . .

Mimnermos [epic poet C7th B.C.] . . . says in the preface that the elder Mousai (Muses) are the daughters of Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven), and that there are other and younger Mousai, children of Zeus." Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "From Aether and Terra [were born various abstractions] . . . [From Caelum (Ouranos, Sky) and Terra (Gaia, Earth) were born ?] Oceanus, Themis, Tartarus, Pontus; the Titanes : Briareus, Gyes, Steropes, Atlas, Hyperion, and Polus [Koios (Coeus)], Saturnus [Kronos (Cronus)], Ops [Rhea], Moneta [Mnemosyne], Dione." [N.B. Hyginus' Preface survives only in summary.

The Titanes should be listed as children of Ouranos (Caelum) and Gaia (Terra) not Aither and Gaia, but the notation to this effect seems to have been lost in the transcription.] MNEMOSYNE MOTHER OF THE MUSES Symbols of Mnemosyne and the nine Muses, Greek mosaic from Elis C1st B.C., Archaeological Museum of Elis Hesiod, Theogony 915 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "And again, he [Zeus, after lying with Demeter] loved Mnemosyne with the beautiful hair: and of her the nine gold-crowned Moisai (Muses) were born." Hesiod, Theogony 53 ff : "Them [the Mousai (Muses)] in Pieria did Mnemosyne, who reigns over the hills of Eleuther [in Pieria, near Mount Olympos], bear of union with the father, the son of Kronos (Cronus) [Zeus], a forgetting of ills and a rest from sorrow.

For nine nights did wise Zeus lie with her, entering her holy bed remote from the immortals. And when a year was passed and the seasons came round as the months waned, and many days were accomplished, she bare nine daughters, all of one mind, whose hearts are set upon song and their spirit free from care, a little way from the topmost peak of snowy Olympos (Olympus)." Homeric Hymn 4 to Hermes 428 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "First among the gods he [Hermes, inventor of the lyre] honoured Mnemosyne, mother of the Mousai (Muses), in his song; for the son of Maia was of her following." Pindar, Nemean Ode 7. 12 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "If success crowns a man's venture, sweeter then than honey the them he pours into the Moisai's (Muses') stream. But lacking the songs to praise them, the mightiest feats of valour can but find a sorry grave a deep darkness.

But for fine deeds a mirror to establish, one way alone we know if Mnamosyna's (Mnemosyne's, Memory's) shining diadem will grant recompense for their labours, in the glory of music on the tongues of men.". Pindar, Isthmian Ode 6. 74 ff : "The deep-bosomed daughters of golden-robed Mnamosyne (Mnemosyne, Memory)." Pindar, Paean 6 (trans.

Sandys) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Ye Moisai (Muses) know all things, ye have had this ordinance allotted to yourselves along with the cloud-wrapt Father [Zeus], and with Mnamosyna (Mnemosyne, Memory)." Pindar, Paean 7 : "But I pray to Mnamosyna (Mnemosyne, Memory), the fair-robed child of Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven), and to her daughters [the Mousai (Muses)], to grant me ready resource; for the minds of men are blind, whosoever, without the maids of Helikon (Helicon), seeketh the steep path of them that walked it by their wisdom." Terpander, Fragment 4 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric C7th B.C.) : "Let us pour libation to the Mousai (Muses), the daughters of Mnamas (Mnemosyne, Memory), and to the leader of the Mousai, Leto's son [Apollon]." Alcman, Fragment 8 (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric C7th B.C.) : "Blessed Mosai (Muses), whom Mnamosyna (Mnemosyne, Memory) bore to Zeus having lain with him." Bacchylides, Fragment 63 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Servant [bard] of the Pierians [Mousai] . . . (of) the mighty father's daughter [Mnemosyne]." Greek Lyric V Anonymous Scholia, Fragment 917c (trans. Campbell) (Greek lyric B.C.) : "Gentle-eyed mother Mousa (Muse) [Mnemosyne], keep company with the pure family of your children : we bring out a complex song, newly flowering with fresh-built skill." Plato, Theaetetus 191c (trans. Fowler) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "Mnemosyne (Memory), the mother of the Mousai (Muses)." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans.

Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "[By] Mnemosyne [Zeus fathered] the Mousai (Muses), the eldest of whom was Kalliope (Calliope), followed by Kleio (Clio), Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania), Thaleia (Thalia), and Polymnia." Antoninus Liberalis, Metamorphoses 9 (trans. Celoria) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Zeus made love to Mnemosyne in Pieria and became father of the Mousai (Muses)." Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "From Jove [Zeus] and Moneta [Mnemosyne] [were born] : Musae (MUses)." Ovid, Metamorphoses 6. 114 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C.

to C1st A.D.) : "As a shepherd [Zeus] snared Mnemosyne." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 31. 168 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "Mnemosyne in the old time before us; how he [Zeus] lay by her side for nine whole nights, with eyes ever wakeful, full of passion for many children in that unresting bridal. Another allvanquishing god, winged like Hypnos (Sleep), little Eros (Love), conquered Kronides (Cronides) with a tiny dart." MNEMOSYNE GODDESS OF MEMORY & LANGUAGE Alcman, Fragment 133 (from Etymologicum Gudianum) (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric C7th B.C.) : "Mneme (Mnemosyne, Memory) : Alkman (Alcman), they say, calls her big-eyed, since we see the past by our thinking." Plato, Critias (trans.

Bury) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "Hermokrates (Hermocrates) : You must go and attack the argument like a man. First invoke Apollon and the Mousai (Muses), and then let us hear you sound the praises and show forth the virtues of your ancient citizens. Kritias (Critias) : Friend Hermokrates . . . But besides the gods and goddesses whom you have mentioned, I would specially invoke Mnemosyne (Memory); for all the important part of my discourse is dependent on her favour, and if I can recollect and recite enough of what was said by the priests and brought hither by Solon, I doubt not that I shall satisfy the requirements of this theatre." Plato, Theaetetus 191c (trans. Fowler) : "Sokrates (Socrates) : Can he [man] learn one thing after another? . . .

Please assume, then, for the sake of argument, that there is in our souls a block of wax, in one case larger, in another smaller, in one case the wax is purer, in another more impure and harder, in some cases softer, and in some of proper quality . . . Let us, then, say that this is the gift of Mnemosyne (Memory), the mother of the Mousai (Muses), and that whenever we wish to remember anything we see or hear or think of in our own minds, we hold this wax under the perceptions and thoughts and imprint them upon it, just as we make impressions from seal rings; and whatever is imprinted we remember and know as long as its image lasts, but whatever is rubbed out or cannot be imprinted we forget and do not know." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5. 67. 3 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Of the female Titanes (Titans) they say that Mnemosyne discovered the uses of the power of reason, and that she gave a designation to every object about us by means of the names which we use to express whatever we would and to hold conversation one with another; though there are those who attribute these discoveries to Hermes. And to this goddess is also attributed the power to call things to memory and to remembrance (mneme) which men possess, and it is this power which gave her the name she received." Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 39. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "[Part of the rituals at the oracle of Trophonios (Trophonius) at Lebadeia in Boiotia (Boeotia) :] He [the supplicant] is taken by the priests, not at once to the oracle, but to fountains of water very near to each other.

Here he must drink water called the water of Lethe (Forgetfulness), that he may forget all that he has been thinking of hitherto, and afterwards he drinks of another water, the water of Mnemosyne (Memory), which causes him to remember what he sees after his descent . . . After his ascent from [the oracle of] Trophonios the inquirer is again taken in hand by the priests, who set him upon a chair called the chair of Mnemosyne (Memory), which stands not far from the shrine, and they ask of him, when seated there, all he has seen or learned. After gaining this information they then entrust him to his relatives." Orphic Hymn 77 to Mnemosyne (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "To Mnemosyne (Memory), Fumigation from Frankincense. The consort I invoke of Zeus divine; source of the holy, sweetly speaking Mousai nine; free from the oblivion of the fallen mind, by whom the soul with intellect is joined. Reason's increase and thought to thee belong, all-powerful, pleasant, vigilant, and strong.

‘Tis thine to waken from lethargic rest all thoughts deposited within the breast; and nought neglecting, vigorous to excite the mental eye from dark oblivion's night. Come, blessed power, thy mystics' memory wake to holy rites, and Lethe's (Forgetfulness) fetters break." Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana 1. 14 (trans. Conybeare) (Greek biography C1st to C2nd A.D.) : "When he [Apollonios of Tyana, pagan prophet C1st A.D.] reached the age of a hundred, he still surpassed Simonides in point of memory, and he used to chant a hymn addressed to Mnemosyne (Memory), in which it is said that everything is worn and withered away by time, whereas time itself never ages, but remains immortal because of memory." CULT & CULT ART OF MNEMOSYNE I. ATHENS Chief City of Attica (Attika) (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 2. 5 (trans.

Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Here [in the shrine of Dionysos at Athens] there are images of Athena Paionia, of Zeus, of Mnemosyne and of the Mousai (Muses), an Apollon." II. TEGEA Town in Arcadia (Arkadia) (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 46. 3 : "Represented on the altar [of Athena at Tegea, Arkadia] . . . are also images of the Mousai (Muses) and Mnemosyne." III. HELICON (HELIKON) Mountain Sanctuary in Boeotia (Boiotia) (Central Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 29. 1 : "The first to sacrifice on Helikon (Helicon) to the Mousai (Muses) and to call the mountain sacred to the Mousai were, they say, Ephialtes and Otos (Otus), who also founded Askra . . .

The sons of Aloeus held that the Mousai were three in number, and gave them the names Melete (Practice), Mneme (Memory), and Aoide (Aeode, Song). But they say that afterwards Pieros (Pierus), a Makedonian (Macedonian) . . . came to Thespiae [in Boiotia] and established nine Mousai, changing their names to the present ones . . . Mimnermos [epic poet C7th B.C.] . . . says in the preface that the elder Mousai (Muses) are the daughters of Ouranos (Uranus), and that there are other and younger Mousai, children of Zeus." IV. LEBADEIA Town in Boeotia (Boiotia) (Central Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 39. 3 : "[Part of the rituals at the oracle of Trophonios (Trophonius) at Lebadeia, Boiotia (Boeotia):] He [the supplicant] is taken by the priests, not at once to the oracle, but to fountains of water very near to each other.

Here he must drink water called the water of Lethe (Forgetfulness), that he may forget all that he has been thinking of hitherto, and afterwards he drinks of another water, the water of Mnemosyne (Memory), which causes him to remember what he sees after his descent . . . After his ascent from [the oracle of] Trophonios the inquirer is again taken in hand by the priests, who set him upon a chair called the chair of Mnemosyne (Memory), which stands not far from the shrine, and they ask of him, when seated there, all he has seen or learned. After gaining this information they then entrust him to his relatives. These lift him, paralysed with terror and unconscious both of himself and of his surroundings, and carry him to the building where he lodged before with Tykhe (Tyche, Fortune) and the Daimon Agathon (Good Spirit). Afterwards, however, he will recover all his faculties, and the power to laugh will return to him." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Z19.1 Mnemosyne Goddess of Memory Greco-Roman Antioch Floor Mosaic C2nd A.D.

Z20.4 Symbols of Mnemosyne & Muses Greek Elis Floor Mosaic C1st B.C. SOURCES Mnemosyne : Greek Goddess of Memory and Mother of the Muses Mother of The Muses Mnemosyne, Greek goddess of memory, was considered one of the most powerful goddesses of her time. After all, it is memory, some believe, that is a gift that distinguishes us from the other creatures in the animal world. It is the gift that allows us to reason, to predict and anticipate outcomes, and is the very foundation for civilization. Sadly, the goddess Mnemosyne is largely forgotten, lost in the mists of time. When she is remembered it is usually only in the context of her being the mother of the Muses, though all acknowledge that without memory the lively arts of the Muses would never have been possible. Mnemosyne was a Titaness, a daughter of the first generation of deities in Greece. Her parents were the rulers Cronus and the goddess Gaia. Mnemosyne is usually depicted with a full mane of luscious hair, often a rich auburn in color.

There are few stories about her even though she is often mentioned by the ancient poets who recount her awesome gifts to mankind. The goddess Mnemosyne is sometimes credited with being the first philosopher, her gift the power of reason. She was given responsibility for the naming of all objects, and by doing so gave humans the means to dialog and to converse with each other. The powers to place things in memory an that of remembrance were also attributed to this goddess. Read the other goddess stories . Make no mistake about this. Memory was of the utmost importance at the time of Mnemosyne. Long before the invention of the alphabet and the written word, it was critical to the well-being of an individual or a society who had to rely solely on the lessons passed on in an oral history. Besides, we're not talking about memorizing shopping lists or the times tables here. The memory of Mnemosyne was much more than that -- it was the memory of the rules and energies of the universe, the cycle of life, the memory of how to live in the world. The ancients believed that when one died and crossed into the Underworld one would be given a choice . . .

whether to drink from the river Lethe where you would forget all the pains and terrors of your previous life (and with them, the lessons they brought), or whether to drink from the Mnemosyne, the spring of memory. Those who chose to forget had to be reborn, to return to earth to learn the lessons they needed. Those who had chosen to remember were admitted to the Elysian Fields where they would spend eternity in comfort and peace. The esteem in which the memory was held was made clear in the initiation rites of the ancient gnostics, who were required to consult with an oracle. Before being brought to the oracle, initiates were taken to a place with two pools lying next to each other. They were instructed to first drink from the pool of Lethe, the goddess of forgetfulness, in order that they might forget their previous lives. Then they were taken to the spring of Mnemosyne to drink so that they would remember all that they were about to learn from the oracle. The initiate would then be 'buried alive' (i.e., placed in seclusion) for a few days in the 'tomb' of the earth god, Trophonios to await the arrival of the oracle.

If the initiate had been properly prepared and was found worthy, the mysteries of life would be told to him by the oracle. And when he was brought back into the realm of the living, the priests would set him upon a special seat, called the Throne of Mnemosyne. While seated there, he would remember and tell all that he had learned below . Once an important goddess in her own right, Mnemosyne is largely remembered today in her capacity as the mother of the Muses, the nine Greek goddesses whose role it was to inspire poets and musicians and to promote the arts and sciences. After Zeus led the war against the Titans and established himself as the leader of the Olympians, he feared that, even though he might be immortal, his great victories and decisions might soon be forgotten. Longing for a way to preserve the memory of his many great feats, he dressed as a shepherd and went to find Mnemosyne. They slept together for nine nights before he returned to his home on Mount Olympus. (By the way, Zeus was still single so this was not one of his famous extramarital affairs.) Zeus got his wish. Months later Mnemosyne gave birth for nine days, each day delivering a daughter.

Collectively they were known as the Muses and were described as "having one mind, their hearts set upon song and their spirit free from care". No banquet on Mount Olympus was complete without them. Seated near the throne of their father, they entertained the guests, singing not only of the greatness of Zeus, but about the marvelous feats of the Greek heroes and the creation of the heavens and the earth and all its wondrous creatures. Muses THE MUSES Zeus, disguised as a shepherd, slept with Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory, on nine consecutive nights. Nine months later were born the nine Muses at the foot of Mount Olympus. They are companions of the Graces, sitting near the throne of Zeus and singing of his greatness, of the world, and of the deeds of the heroes. Primarily, they promote the arts and sciences; they inspire artists, poets, philosophers, and musicians. The Muses also sang at the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia, the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, and at the funeral of Achilles.

The few stories of those who dared compete with the Muses end in disaster for the challengers: Thamyris, the minstrel (who lost his minstrelsy and his eyes); the Sirens (who had their feathers plucked out); and the daughters of the King and Queen of Macedonia (named after the Muses, they were turned into birds). King Pyreneus of Daulis attempted to seduce the Muses and was led to his death by jumping after them off the top of a tower. Sacred places dedicated to the Muses were known as mouseions, from which we have the word "museum." Calliope: "The Fair-Voiced": muse of epic poetry (and eloquence). Her symbol is the writing tablet or the book. She, the eldest among the muses, is the mother of Orpheus (and Linus). Homer invokes her as his muse in the Iliad and the Odyssey. She favored Achilles and taught him how to entertain his friends by singing at feasts. She settled an argument between Aphrodite and Persephone over their rivalry for Adonis. Clio: "The Proclaimer": muse of history. Her symbol is the scroll.

She is credited with having introduced the Phoenician alphabet into Greece. She was the mother of Hyacinthus who is killed by the wayward bounce of a discus thrown by Apollo (see Ovid's Metamorphoses, Book 10). Erato: "The Lovely": muse of love poetry (and mimicry). Her symbol is the lyre. She is often seen wearing a crown of roses. Euterpe: "The Giver of Pleasure": muse of music. Her symbol is the flute. She is credited with the invention of the flute. She was the mother of Rhosus who was killed in at Troy. Melpomene: "The Songstress": muse of tragedy. Her symbol is the tragic mask. She is often depicted wearing a garland or a crown of cypress, and she often carries a club or sword. She shows up frequently wearing cothurnes -- boots worn by tragic actors. Polyhymnia: "She of Many Hymns": muse of sacred poetry and religious dance. She is identified by the pensive look on her face, which often is veiled. She is also associated with geometry, mime, agriculture, and meditation.

Terpsichore: "The Whirler": muse of dance and lyric poetry. She is seen dancing and holding a lyre. She shows up with a plectrum also, a device used for plucking stringed instruments. She was mother to the Sirens (with Achelous the river god as father). Thalia: "The Flourishing": muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. Her symbol is the comic mask. She appears with a shepherd's staff and wearing a crown of ivy. She was mother of the Corybantes (the father was Apollo); these were priests who castrated themselves in devotion to the goddess Cybele. Urania: "The Heavenly": muse of astronomy. She holds a globe. She appears often with a peg in one hand and dressed in a cloak embroidered with stars. She foretells the future by reading the positions of the stars. ELDER MUSES (Mousai) - Greek Titan-Goddesses of Music Translation Muse, Muses THE MOUSAI TITANIDES were three or four elder Muses, ancient Titan-goddesses of music. They were named Melete (Practise), Aiode (Song), and Mneme (Memory).

The last of these would have been identified with Mnemosyne (Memory), mother of the nine celebrated Olympian Muses by Zeus. These two sets of Muses, however, were really just alternate versions of the same set of goddesses. A third even more obscure group were the Muses Apollonides . FAMILY OF THE ELDER MUSES PARENTS [1.1] OURANOS & GAIA (Alcman Frag 67, Mimnermus Frag 13, Praxilla Frag 3, Diodorus Siculus 4.7.1, Arnobius 3.37) [1.2] OURANOS (Pausanias 9.29.1, Cicero De Natura Deorum 3.21) NAMES [1.1] MELETE, MNEME , AIODE (Pausanias 9.29.1) [1.2] THELXINOE, AIODE, ARKHE, MELETE (Cicero De Natura Deorum 3.21) CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Mimnermus, Fragment 13 (from Oxyrhynchus papyrus) (trans.

Gerber, Vol. Greek Elegiac) (Greek elegy C7th B.C.) : "In the genealogy given by Mimnermos, the Mousai (Muses) are daughters of Ge (Gaea, the Earth)." Alcman, Fragment 5 (from Scholia) (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (C7th B.C.) : "He [Alkman] made the Mousai (Muses) the daughters of Ge (Gaea, the Earth), as Mimnermos does." Alcman, Fragment 67 (from Diodorus Siculus 4. 7. 1) : "Most of the mythographers, including those of the highest reputation say that he Mousai (MUses) are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; but one or two of the poets, Alkman among them, make them the daughters of Ouranos (Uranus, Sky) and Ge (Gaea, Earth)." Praxilla of Sicyon, Fragment 3 (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric IV) (C5th B.C.) : "Nine Mousai (Muses) were created by great Ouranos (Uranus, Sky), nine by Gaia (Gaea, Earth) herself to be an undying joy for mortals." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 7. 1 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "As for the Mousai (Muses) . . . the majority of the writers of myths and those who enjoy the greatest reputation say that they were daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory); but a few poets, among whose number is Alkman [lyric poet C7th B.C.] state that they were daughters of Ouranos (Uranus, Sky) and Ge (Gaea, Earth). Writers similarly disagree also concerning the number of the Mousai; for some say they are but thee, and others that they are nine, but the number nine has prevailed since it rests upon the authority of the most distinguished men, such as Homer and Hesiod and others like them." Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 29. 1 (trans.

Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "The first to sacrifice on Helikon to the Mousai (Muses) and to call the mountain sacred to the Mousai were, they say, Ephialtes and Otos [the Aloadai (Aloadae)], who also founded Askra (Ascra). To this also Hegesinus alludes in his poem Atthis [Greek poet uncertain date] . . . This poem of Hegesinos I have not read, for it was no longer extant when I was born. But Kallipos (Callipus) of Korinthos [Greek writer C5th B.C.] in his History of Orkhomenos uses the verses of Hegesinos as evidence in support of his own views, and I too have done likewise, using the quotation of Kallipos himself . . . The sons of Aloeus held that the Mousai were three in number, and gave them the names of Melete (Practice), Mneme (Memory) and Aoede (Song).

But they say that afterwards Pieros (Pierus), a Makedonian (Macedonian), after whom the mountain in Makedonia was named, came to Thespiai (Thespiae) and established nine Mousai, changing their names to the present ones . . . Mimnermos [Greek poet C6th B.C.], who composed elegiac verses about the battle between the Smyrnaians and the Lydians under Gyges, says in the preface that the elder Mousai are daughters of Ouranos (Uranus, Sky), and that there are other and younger Mousai, children of Zeus." Cicero, De Natura Deorum 3. 21 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "Again the first set of Musae (Muses) are four, the daughters of the second Jupiter [i.e. Ouranos (Uranus)], Thelixonoe, Aode, Arche and Melete. The second set are the offspring of the third Jupiter [i.e. Zeus] and Mnemosyne, nine in number." Arnobius, Against the Heathen 3.

37 (Roman Christian rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "We are told by Mnaseas [Greek writer C3rd B.C.] that the Muses are the daughters of Tellus (Earth) [Gaia] and Coelus (Heaven) [Ouranos]; others declare that they are Jove's by his wife Moneta [Mnemosyne, Memory], or Mens (Mind) [Metis?]; some relate that they were virgins, others that they were matrons. For now we wish to touch briefly on the points where you are shown, from the difference of your opinions, to make different statements about the same thing. Ephorus [historian C4th BC], then, says that they are three in number; Mnaseas, whom we mentioned, that they are four; Myrtilus brings forward seven; Crates [the philosopher?

C4th B.C.] asserts that there are eight; finally Hesiod, enriching heaven and the stars with gods, comes forward with nine names." NAMES OF THE ELDER MUSES Greek Name Muse - Ancient History Encyclopedia Muse by Mark Cartwright published on 14 December 2012 In Greek mythology , the nine Muses are goddesses of the various arts such as music, dance, and poetry and are blessed not only with wonderful artistic talents themselves but also with great beauty, grace, and allure. Their gifts of song, dance, and joy helped the gods and mankind to forget their troubles and inspired musicians and writers to reach ever greater artistic and intellectual heights. The Muses are the daughters of Zeus and the Titan Mnemosyne (Memory) after the couple slept together for nine consecutive nights.

They are: Calliope, traditionally the most important (beautiful-voiced and representing epic poetry and also rhetoric), Clio (glorifying and representing history), Erato (lovely and representing singing), Euterpe (well-delighting and representing lyric poetry), Melpomene (singing and representing tragedy), Polymnia (many hymning and representing hymns to the gods and heroes), Terpsichore or Stesichore (delighting in dance), Thalia (blooming and representing comedy), Urania (heavenly and representing astronomy). Certain objects also became associated with the Muses and help to identify their particular talents. Calliope often holds a writing tablet and stylus, Clio has a scroll, Euterpe a double aulos (or flute), and Thalia a theatre mask. The Muses were believed to live on Mt. Olympus where they entertained their father and the other Olympian gods with their great artistry, but later tradition also placed them on Mt. Helicon in Boeotia where there was a major cult centre to the goddesses, or on Mt. Parnassus where the Castalian spring was a favourite destination for poets and artists.

On Mount Olympus, Apollo Mousagetes was, in a certain sense, the choir leader of the Muses, although his attachment was not limited to music, as he fathered many children with his musical group. Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry, was the mother of Orpheus , the wonderfully gifted lyre player whose father was said by some to be Apollo himself. Although bringers of festivity and joy, the Muses were not to be trifled with when it came to the superiority of their artistic talents. Although bringers of festivity and joy, the Muses were not to be trifled with when it came to the superiority of their artistic talents. The nine daughters of Pierus foolishly tried to compete musically with the Muses on Mt. Helicon and were all turned into birds for their impertinence. The Thracian musician Thamyres (son of the Nymph Agriope) was another who challenged the Muses in music and after inevitably coming second best to the goddesses was punished with blindness, the loss of his musical talent, and his singing voice. This myth was also the subject of a tragedy by Sophocles .

The Muses also acted as judges in another musical competition, this time between Apollo on his kithara and the satyr Marsyas , who played the aulos given to him by Athena . Naturally, Apollo won and Marsyas was flayed alive for his troubles. Remove Ads Advertisement Hesiod in his Theogony claimed that he spoke with the Muses on Mt. Helicon, and they gave him a luxuriant laurel branch and breathed into him their divine voice so that he could proclaim the glory of the gods and their descendants. Thus, the simple shepherd was transformed into one of the most important poets in history. Hesiod also states that the Muses were created as an aid to forgetfulness and relief from troubles, perhaps as a balance to their mother, who personified memory. In ancient Greece , music, and by association the Muses, were held in great esteem and music was played in homes, in theatres, during religious ceremonies, to accompany athletics, provided rhythm during military training, accompanied agricultural activities such as harvesting, and was an important element in the education of children. For example, Themistocles , the great Athenian politician and general, considered his education incomplete because he could not play the khitara.

Throughout the ancient Greek world musical festivals and competitions were held in honour of the Muses and philosophical schools bore their name: the Mouseia. In art, the Muses are depicted as beautiful young women, often with wings. The Muses often appear on 5th and 4th century BCE red- and black-figure pottery , in particular in scenes with Apollo playing his kithara or representations of the Marsyas and Thamyres myths. Many statues of the Muses have been found on Delos , an important cult centre to Apollo. In addition, in the 5th century BCE, the iconography of the ideal woman in Greek art came very close to that of a Muse. Music and, therefore, also the Muses, frequently appear as a subject on lekythoi, the elegant funerary vases, which were placed in graves so that loved ones might have the pleasure of music on their journey into the next life. A celebrated representation of the Muses as a group is the three marble reliefs from a statue base, dating to c. 325-300 BCE and now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens . Titan goddess Mnemosyne *** Who was Mnemosyne?

Mnemosyne was the Titan goddess of memory and the inventor of words and one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. The female Titans were called the Titanides. The Titans were the descendents of the first gods or divinities, called the primordial or primeval gods, who were born out of Chaos. The first 12 Titans, that included Mnemosyne were a race of powerful, giant gods from the union of the primordial deities Gaia and Uranus. Mnemosyne was a daughter of Gaia and Uranus and the mother of the nine Muses by Zeus. The children of the Titans became known as the famous Olympian gods. The legend and myth about Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory and the inventor of words has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role in the history of the Ancient World of Greece and the study of the Greek classics. Picture of Mnemosyne Facts about Mnemosyne Mnemosyne features in the Creation myth of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but were of gigantic proportions and possessed great magical and mystic powers.

The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne Profile & Fact File Name: Mnemosyne Role & Function: The function of Mnemosyne is described as being the goddess of memory and the inventor of words Status: A principle goddess in the first dynasty of Titans Gender: Female Names of Brothers (Titans): Oceanus, Hyperion, Coeus, Cronus, Crius and Iapetus Names of Sisters (Titanides): Tethys, Theia, Phoebe, Rhea and Themis Names of Children: The Nine Muses The Children of Mnemosyne and Zeus The children of Mnemosyne and Zeus were collectively known as the Muses. The Muses were nine young, beautiful maidens who became the representatives of poetry, the arts, the sciences and sources of inspiration. The names of the nine Muses were Clio, Thalia, Erato, Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Calliope, Terpsichore, Urania and Melpomene. Picture of the Nine Muses Facts about Mnemosyne in Greek Mythology Discover interesting information and facts about Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory and the inventor of words.

The facts about her provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Mnemosyne in Greek Mythology, stories and legends. Mythical Facts about Mnemosyne Fact 1: Mnemosyne took the side of the Olympians in the War of the Titans Fact 2: The Titans were associated with the various planets Fact 3: Zeus and Mnemosyne slept together for nine consecutive nights and thus created the nine Muses Fact 4: She was the guardian of memory before the advent of writing and literacy Fact 5: She is also the Goddess of teachers Fact 6: Her name means "remembrance" in Greek The Imprisonment of Mnemosyne and the Titans According to the ancient Greek Creation myth Uranus, the father of Mnemosyne and the other Titans, was terrified of the massive size and strength of his gigantic children and to prevent them rebelling against him, Uranus seized them immediately after their birth and hurled them down into a dark abyss called Tartarus, where he kept his Titan children in chains.

The race of giant Titans, imprisoned by their father Uranus Their mother, Gaia, helped them to escape and, led by Cronus, they overthrew their father and took power as the Titan gods. Cronus was no better than his father which led to the War of the Titans. The Titanomachy in Greek Mythology The Battle of the Titans, called the Titanomachy , was a 10 year war and power struggle that was fought between the Titans and the gods and goddesses who would become known as the Olympians. In ancient Greek mythology Mount Othrys was the base of the Titans during the Battle of the Titans and Mount Olympus was the base of the Olympian gods and goddesses led by Zeus. Mnemosyne, Themis, Oceanus, and Hyperion choose to join the Olympians. The Family of Mnemosyne - The Titans Family Tree and Genealogy Mnemosyne - The Titan Gods Family Tree The family members and genealogy of Mnemosyne can be established via the Titan gods family tree, providing an instant overview of the relationships between the major Titan gods and goddesses and their children.

The Titans Family Tree is a 'who's who' of the family connections, genealogy and relationships between the main characters who feature in the mythology of the Titans. Mnemosyne Interesting information and Facts about the Titan goddess Mnemosyne Mnemosyne, the Greek Titan goddess of memory and the inventor of words Stories and Legends in Greek Mythology associated with Mnemosyne Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory and the inventor of words The Greek Mythology - The Twelve Titans and Other Titans - Wattpad The Twelve Titans and Other Titans The following is a list of gods and other divine and semi-divine figures from Greek mythology. The Twelve Titans and Other Titans Ὑπερίων (Hyperíōn) Hyperion Titan of light. With Theia, he is the father of Helios (the sun), Selene (the moon), and Eos (the dawn). Ἰαπετός (Iapetós) Iapetus Titan of mortality and father of Prometheus, Epimetheus, Menoetius, and Atlas.

Κοῖος (Koîos) Coeus Titan of intellect and the axis of heaven around which the constellations revolved. Κρεῖος (Kreîos) Crius The least individualized of the Twelve Titans, he is the father of Astraeus, Pallas, and Perses. Κρόνος (Crónos) Cronus The leader of the Titans, who overthrew his father Uranus only to be overthrown in turn by his son, Zeus. Not to be confused with Chronos, the god of time. Mνημοσύνη (Mnēmosýnē) Mnemosyne Titan of memory and remembrance, and mother of the Nine Muses. Ὠκεανός (Ōceanós) Oceanus Titan of the all-encircling river Oceans around the earth, the font of all the Earth's fresh-water. Φοίβη (Phoíbē) Phoebe Titan of the "bright" intellect and prophecy, and consort of Koios. Ῥέα (Rhéa) Rhea Titan of female fertility, motherhood, and generation.

She is the sister and consort of Cronus, and mother of Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. Τηθύς (Tēthýs) Tethys Wife of Oceanus, and the mother of the rivers, springs, streams, fountains, and clouds. Θεία (Theía) Theia Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. She is the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos. Θέμις (Thémis) Themis Titan of divine law and order. Other Titans Ἀστερία (Astería) Asteria Titan of nocturnal oracles and falling stars. Ἀστραῖος (Astraîos) Astraeus Titan of dusk, stars, and planets, and the art of astrology. Ἄτλας (Átlas) Atlas Titan forced to carry the sky upon his shoulders by Zeus. Also Son of Iapetus. Αὔρα (Aúra) Aura Titan of the breeze and the fresh, cool air of early morning.

Διώνη (Diṓnē) Dione Titan of the oracle of Dodona. Ἠώς (Ēṓs) Eos Titan of the dawn. Ἐπιμηθεύς (Epimētheús) Epimetheus Titan of afterthought and the father of excuses. Εὐρυβία (Eurybía) Eurybia Titan of the mastery of the seas and consort of Krios. Εὐρυνόμη (Eurynómē) Eurynome Titan of water-meadows and pasturelands, and mother of the three Charites by Zeus. Ἥλιος (Hḗlios) Helios Titan of the sun and guardian of oaths. Κλυμένη (Clyménē) Clymene or Asia Titan of renown, fame, and infamy, and wife of Iapetos.Λήλαντος (Lēlantos) Lelantos Titan of air and the hunter's skill of stalking prey. He is the male counterpart of Leto.

Λητώ (Lētṓ) Leto Titan of motherhood and mother of the twin Olympians, Artemis and Apollo. Μενοίτιος (Menoítios) Menoetius Titan of violent anger, rash action, and human mortality. Killed by Zeus. Μῆτις (Mē̂tis) Metis Titan of good counsel, advice, planning, cunning, craftiness, and wisdom. Mother of Athena. Ὀφίων (Ophíōn) Ophion An elder Titan, in some versions of the myth he ruled the Earth with his consort Eurynome before Cronus overthrew him. Πάλλας (Pállas) Pallas Titan of warcraft. He was killed by Athena during the Titanomachy. Πέρσης (Pérsēs) Perses Titan of destruction and peace. Προμηθεύς (Promētheús) Prometheus Titan of forethought and crafty counsel, and creator of mankind. Σελήνη (Selḗnē) Selene Titan of the moon.

Στύξ (Stýx) Styx Titan of the Underworld river Styx and personification of hatred. Mnemosyne | Greek Mythology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Mnemosyne (Mνημοσύνη) was the titanis of memory and the mother of the Muses With Zeus . Contents [ show ] Reign Mnemosyne was mostly regarded as a goddess of memory and remembrance. She is sometimes seen as the goddess of words and language as she invented them. Her memory is so great that she remembers everything since the beginning of time, making her a minor goddess of time. She is also the patron of poets and the goddess of sight and writing. Mythology Mnemosyne was the mother of the nine Muses with the King of Olympus, Zeus . story behind The Muses is that Zeus had sex with Mnemosyne nine nights in a row so when she gave birth there were nine children. Family Mnemosyne, titan goddess of memorey and remembrance - Greek Gods, Mythology of Ancient Greece Mnemosyne Mnemosyne (Mnemosine, Juno Moneta, Memory) Mnemosyne was a Titan goddess of memory and remembrance.

She was believed to be the inventress of speech and writings. In Hesiod`s Theogony, her daughters, the Muses, are described as the spirits who possessed kings and poets, whom the gods favoured and gave them special powers of authoritative speech and wisdom. Mnemosyne was one of the six daughters of primeval deities Uranus and Gaea in the first generation of Titans . Mnemosyne was also known to be a mother of Muses and represented the memorisation of stories and myths preserved in history before the discovery of writing. The mother of Muses Mnemosyne dwelled over the hills of Eleuther (in Pieria, near Mount Olympus) where Zeus came to lie with her for nine nights, away from other immortal gods. Together in those nine nights they gave birth to nine Muses: Calliope - muse of epic poetry was believed to have possessed Homer and gave him inspiration for the Odyssey and the Iliad. She is often depicted as carrying a book or a writing tablet. She was also the mother of two sons by Apollo , called Linus and Orpheus. Clio - muse of history. She is usually depicted of holding an open scroll or is seated beside a chest of books.

Erato - muse of love and erotic poetry. Most of the time she is depicted playing a kithara or a lyre, but in some cases she is shown with a wreath of myrtle and roses. Euterpe - muse of music. She is often depicted sitting on a chair and playing her double flute. Melpomene - muse of tragedy. However, she was originally a muse of singing and dancing which came from her name or more precisely from greek verb melpô ("to celebrate with dance and song."). She is usually depicted wearing cothurnus boots(boots worn by tragic actors) and holding a tragic mask in her hand. Polyhymnia - muse of sacred hymns. She is depicted as serious or meditative, often standing, wearing long cloak and supporting her arm with a part of the cloak. Terpsichore - muse of dancing. Usually, she is depicted in a sitting position and playing a lyre with her special plectrum. She is also mentioned to be the mother of Sirens. Thalia - muse of comedy. Most of the time, she is depicted holding a comic mask in her hand and wearing a cloak and a crown made of ivy.

Urania - muse of astronomy. She is depicted with a globe in her hand. Urania was believed to be able of fortelling the future by arrangement of the stars and is often associated with Universal Love and the Holy Spirit. greek-gods.org (c) Copyright 2013 - 2016, all rights reserved

Question: In Greek myth who was the Titan of memory and remembrance, and mother of the nine Muses?
Answer: MNEMOSYNE