The Story of Erato
Erato was the Muse of love poetry and lyric verse, one of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Her name comes from the same root as Eros, and means lovely or desired. She inspired poets to write songs of romance, longing and desire.
Like her sisters, Erato took part in the contests of the Muses. When the Thracian singer Thamyris boasted that he could beat the Muses in a contest of song, they accepted his challenge. After defeating him, they took away his sight and his gift for music.
Erato was often shown with a lyre, and sometimes with roses and turtledoves, symbols of love. In the Roman poet Ovid's work on the art of love, and in Virgil's Aeneid, poets call on Erato by name. She was honored with her sisters at Mount Helicon and Pieria.
Famous Myths About Erato
Thamyris Challenges the Muses
The Thracian singer Thamyris boasted that he could beat the Muses in a contest of song. The Muses, Erato among them, accepted, and after defeating him they took away his sight and his gift for music.
Erato's Family Tree
Partners of Erato
Children of Erato
Frequently Asked Questions About Erato
Who is Erato in Greek mythology?
Erato is the Muse of love poetry and lyric poetry.
Who are Erato's parents?
Like all the Muses, Erato is a daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory.
What are Erato's symbols?
Erato is often shown with a lyre, and sometimes with roses and turtledoves, symbols of love.
