The Most Interesting Things About Calliope, The eldest of the Mousai

The Most Interesting Things About Calliope, The eldest of the Mousai In the world of mythology, Calliope is one of the nine Muses. She is also referred to as the “ronimas” or the “Crowned Muse” because of her self-proclaimed status. In the epic poem by Homer called The Odyssey (Book X), Calliope is mentioned as the muse that inspires singers and poetry .

It was either through her inspiration or perhaps her vanity that led her to claim this title. When we look past her brashness, however, there are some interesting things about Calliope, the eldest of the Mousai – which translates to "Muses" — goddesses who inspired mankind in different ways . She has a beautiful voice. It is widely believed that Calliope’s voice was so beautiful that it was able to calm even the fiercest of storms.

This has led to a theory that she was the one who first discovered music being able to calm a person’s soul. Her voice is said to have been the sweetest even though she spoke with a harsh accent. Even though her voice was beautiful, there are no records of her actually performing any songs. We are left to wonder if Calliope’s voice had an influence on the way we perceive the art of song even to this day.

She is the wisest of the Mousai. Although she claimed the title of being the most creative and inspiring muse , we have to remember that Calliope is also the wisest of the Mousai. Some theorize that it was through her wisdom that she was able to compose such captivating stories. While creativity and inspiration are both important when it comes to creating something, it is wisdom that keeps everything together.

Interestingly enough, Calliope’s wisdom is never mentioned in classical literature. Her bold and seemingly ignorant claim of being the most inspired and creative of the Mousai has left her wisdom to be mostly forgotten. Fortunately, we do know that Calliope was responsible for teaching Odysseus how to navigate his way home. The knowledge she imparted upon Odysseus is what ultimately led him to be able to navigate his treacherous journey home to Ithaca.

She is proud and vain. The thing that makes Calliope so interesting is that she is undeniably vain and proud, yet she is still a muse that people pay homage to. She is an example of someone who is completely immersed in themselves and their own vanity. In fact, one of the most famous quotes in all of literature is spoken by Calliope herself. It is said that she has told the epic poet Homer that “her head with its flowing hair” is the source of her poetry.