The Odyssey of words First unit: music 1. Μουσική Music got its name from the word «Μούσα» (Greek pronunciation Moussa) = "Muse". The Muses were nine deities of mountains and water. They are the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts in Greek mythology. They were considered the source of the knowledge embodied in the poetry, lyric and songs. They were daughters of Zeus, the second generation king of the gods, and the offspring of Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. They were later adopted by the Romans as a part of their pantheon. In current English usage, "muse" can refer in general to a person who inspires an artist, writer, or musician. Their names are as follows: Muse Calliope Clio Euterpe Erato Melpomene Polyhymnia Terpsichore Thalia Urania
Domain Epic poetry History Music, Song, and Lyric Poetry Love poetry Tragedy Hymns Dance Comedy Astronomy
2. Μελωδία The word melody is produced from two words: the word "μέλος» (Greek pronunciation melos), that means choral song and the word "ωδή" (Greek pronunciation odi or ody) meaning poem which was sung with accompaniment of lyre.
3. Ρυθμός The word rhythm is produced by the Greek verb «ρέω» (Greek pronunciation reeo) that means flow.
4. Ύμνος Hymn is an ancient Greek word (Greek pronunciation: hymnos).
Linda Alexopoulou – Theodoros TomarasPage 1