Clio
nymphClio was the Muse of history — her name means "the proclaimer" or "the celebrator," and she inspired the recording of great deeds.
The Myth
Clio carried a scroll and a chest of books. She was said to have introduced the Phoenician alphabet to Greece (a role also given to Cadmus). As Muse of history, she guarded humanity's collective memory. The Clio Awards (advertising) are named after her, as are various historical journals.
Children
Hyacinthus (in some traditions)
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Clio Awards for advertising are named after the Muse of History — marketers celebrating their "historical" impact.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Cadmus
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Hyacinthus
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Mnemosyne
titanThe Titaness who personified memory, mother of the nine Muses. Without Mnemosyne, there could be no...
Zeus
godSupreme ruler of the Olympian gods and lord of the sky. Zeus overthrew his father Kronos and...
Alcyone
nymphAlcyone and her husband Ceyx called themselves Zeus and Hera; as punishment, both were transformed...
Amphitrite
nymphAmphitrite was the Nereid who became queen of the sea as Poseidon's wife.