Clio
Clio was the Muse of history — her name means "the proclaimer" or "the celebrator," and she inspired the recording of great deeds.
The Myth of Clio
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.
Parents
Zeus and Mnemosyne
Children
Hyacinthus (in some traditions)
Symbols
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Idyia
🌿 nymphKnowledge, Colchis
Oceanid nymph known as the knowing one and queen of Colchis beside King Aeetes
Asia
🌿 nymphLand, territory
Oceanid nymph whose name was given to the continent of Asia
Urania
🌿 nymphMuse of astronomy
Urania was the Muse of astronomy and celestial navigation — her gaze was fixed on the stars.
Polyxo
🌿 nymphStars, nursing
One of the Hyades nymphs and nurse of Dionysus, transformed into a star for her devoted care of the god
Agaue
🌿 nymphSplendour, nobility of the sea
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "the illustrious one," representing the noble majesty of the ocean
Larissa
🌿 nymphcities, rivers
A Pelasgian nymph or princess who gave her name to the city of Larissa in Thessaly, one of Greece's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Calliope
🌿 nymphMuse of epic poetry
Calliope was the chief of the nine Muses, presiding over epic poetry — she inspired Homer and was the mother of Orpheus.
Polydora
🌿 nymphGenerosity, abundance
Oceanid nymph whose name means many gifts and who embodied bountiful waters
Laomedeia
🌿 nymphRuling counsel, governance of the people
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "she who counsels the people," associated with wise leadership and governance
Callianassa
🌿 nymphBeautiful queenship, noble grace
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "beautiful queen," embodying the regal splendour of the sea
Eudora
🌿 nymphGood gifts, generosity
Oceanid nymph whose name means good gifts and who represented the bounty of fresh water
Pherusa
🌿 nymphCarrying, transport by sea
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "she who carries," representing the sea's power to transport ships and goods