Erato

Erato is one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, specifically the muse of lyric poetry, particularly erotic poetry. Her name means "lovely" or "desired" in Greek, derived from the same root as Eros, the god of love. This etymology was playfully noted by Apollonius of Rhodes in the invocation to Erato beginning Book III of his Argonautica.

Mythological Role

Erato, as a Muse, was believed to inspire poets and artists, especially those who wrote about love and longing. In the Orphic hymn to the Muses, she is said to charm the sight. Since the Renaissance, she is typically depicted with a wreath of myrtle and roses, holding a lyre or a small kithara, a musical instrument associated with Apollo. In some representations, like those by the French painter Simon Vouet, two turtle-doves eat seeds at her feet. She is also sometimes shown holding a golden arrow, symbolizing the feeling of love she inspires in everyone, and occasionally accompanied by Eros clutching a torch. Erato is one of the nine children born to Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory, according to Hesiod's Theogony.

Notable Appearances

Erato appears in various classical works. Apollonius of Rhodes invokes her at the beginning of Book III of the Argonautica, a section that deals with the love story of Medea. She is also mentioned in Ovid's Fasti and in the Bibliotheca attributed to Apollodorus. In addition, a statue of Erato exists at Thespiae, as noted by Pausanias, and a square in the court of the Palatine in Rome was named Eraton from a statue of this muse.

• Meaning: "Lovely" or "desired"
• Origin: Greek
• Type: First name (feminine)
• Usage regions: Greece, historically in literature
• In mythology: Muse of lyric/erotic poetry