Women of Mythology

Godesses of all cultures and religions have facinated mankind for generations with tales of compassion, beauty and strength. Here are but a few of the many women who represent different facets.

• Calliope

First of the muses, she is the muse of epic poetry and is believed to have inspired Homer's great works. The oldest and wisest of the muses, she is often depicted with a scroll or a golden crown.

• Euturpe

The muse of lyric poetry and music. She is one of the daughters of Zeus and is ususally holding a flute.

• Clio

The muse of historical poetry. Also known as the Proclaimer, she is sometimes represented by a parchment scroll or writing tablet.

• Erato

The muse of love poetry, lyrics and hymns. And is often portrayed playing a lyre. Her name also means "lovely".

• Melpomene

The muse of tragedy, although her name means "to sing". She is often depicted wearing a tragic mask and boots, known as cothurnus (worn bu actors in Greek tragedies).

• Polyhymnia

The muse of sacred poetry and eloquence. Often shown as a quiet, serious woman and dresses in a long cloak and veil.

• Terpichore

The muse of dance and choral song. Quite apt for her, as her name means "delight of dance".

• Thalia

The muse of comedy. She is known for her good cheer personality and her masked face and shepard's crook.

• Urania

The muse of astronomy. Meaning "heavenly", she is able to fortell the future by reading the stars. She is usually dresses in a cloak embroided in stars.

• Aphrodite

Also worshipped as Venus by the Romans, Aphrodite is the famous and beloved goddess of love and beauty.

• Kali

The Hindu goddess which represents violence and destruction, Kali - meaning "black" - is worshipped for the special powers she bestows.

• Hera

The Greek goddess of marriage, Hera is the wife of Zeus, and is worshipped for fertility, birth and death.

• Tara

Also knowns as Jetsun Dolma in Tibetan, Tara is a Buddhist goddess associated with Tantric practices, and represents success and achievement in work.

• Isis

Egyptian Goddess and wife of Osiris. Literally meaning "Queen of the Throne", Isis is worshipped as a queen, mother and protector.

• Kwan Yin

The Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Despite sometimes being depicted as a male Indian Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara, Kwan Yin is more often portrayed in China as a woman in a long white robe holding a willow branch.

• Devi

The Sanskrit word for "goddess". Devi comes in many aspects and is worshipped as the mother of all living things. She is believed to be the goddess of fertility, rain, health and nature, and also holds the entire universe in her womb.

• Gaia

The Greek Goddess personifying the earth, Gaia is worshipped as the Mother Earth and oaths sworn in her name were considered the most binding and powerful of all.