In Greek mythology the Muses—their number varied—were daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Eventually nine were identified with the arts and associated with specific attributes:
Calliope: epic poetry, tablet and stylus
Clio—history, book roll
Erato: lyric poetry, lyre
Euterpe: music, flute
Melpomene: tragedy, tragic mask
Polymnia: sacred poetry, thoughtful expression
Terpsichore: dance and choral song, lyre or dancing
Thalia: comedy, comic mask
Urania: astronomy, globe