Thalia in Greek Mythology

Although uncommon it is not unknown amongst the names of Greek mythology to have different immortals or mortals with the same name. The name of Thalia is one of those occasions when a name is found connected to different individuals. There are thought to be four distinct individuals that bear the name Thalia, although in truth it is only the Muse and the Charity that get much coverage in ancient texts.


The Muse, Thalia was one of the nine younger Muses, the eighth daughter born to Zeus and Mnemosyne. Each of the nine younger muses was given authority over an area within the arts and sciences, and given responsibility to inspire mortals to partake in their particular art.

The nine muses were normally named as Calliope, Muse of epic poetry; Clio, history; Erato. Lyric poetry; Euterpe, music; Melpomene, tragic literature; Polyhmnia, sacred poetry; Terpsichore, dance; Thalia, comedy and pastoral poetry; and Urania, astronomy.

Dance of the Muses - Joseph Paelinck - PD-art-100

With Thalia given dominion over comedy and pastoral poetry, she was normally displayed with a comic mask over her eyes and a shepherd's crook in her hand. Additionally the ivy was often perceived to be sacred to her. The role of Thalia was certainly more joyful than her sisters, and although the other muses would inspire some great works, it was Thalia's inspiration that caused laughter to emanate from ancient theatres.


The Muses would often spend their time amongst the mortals of Greece providing them with the inspiration needed to write and to create, although the also played an important role on Mount Olympus. There they were one of the forms of entertainment for the Olympian gods, and would retell of the greatness of Zeus and his family, but would also recount the adventures of the heroes of Greece, including the likes of Heracles and Theseus.


There position on Mount Olympus also ensured that they came to the attention of the Greek god Apollo. Apollo took over the role as their leader and became intimate with a number of them, including Thalia. Thalia indeed gave birth to seven Corybantes, dance spirits, from the relationship.


The Charity Thalia was also an offspring of Zeus, although this time the mother was said to be Eurynome. Also known as the Graces, there were only three sisters, as compared with the nine Muses, and were Euphrosyne, also known as Mirth; Aglaea, Splendour; and Thalia, Good Cheer.

Thalia as a Grace, had a similar role to that of her namesake amongst the Muses, and was said to inspire mortals in the arts, and provide them with talents to achieve. Although the Graces were occasionally present at Mount Olympus they were also to be found in Hades, the Underworld, and were also attendants to the goddess Aphrodite. Thalia though was also recognised as a goddess of fertility.

The Three Graces - Sandro Botticelli - PD-art-100

As previously mentioned it was not unusual for more than one individual to have the same name, just as it is not unusual today to find many famous people with the same name as others. Within Greek mythology though, it is unusual to find two fairly prominent individuals given the same title.

Copyright - First Published 19th July 2009

Keywords - Thalia Charity, Thalia Muse, Thalia Greek mythology,