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Terpsichore

Mythology
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

One of the nine Greek Muses, specifically patron of dance and choral lyric poetry, often depicted with a lyre or plectrum.

Detailed Definition
Terpsichore, whose name means “delight in dancing,” inspires rhythmic movement and harmonious performance. She links poetry with physical expression. Poets invoke her to infuse verse with grace, motion, and the joyous unity of music, word, and body.
Example
Example in poetry:
Hesiod’s Theogony names Terpsichore as Muse of dance and choral song; In Pindar, she inspires rhythmic celebration; Later Renaissance poetry associates her with ballet and musical grace; In neoclassical aesthetics, Terpsichore symbolizes harmonious movement; Allegorical verse depicts her with lyre and light step; She embodies the joy of communal artistic expression.
Additional Notes
Terpsichore, Muse of dance and choral song, is depicted with lyre and light step. Students should associate her with rhythmic performance and communal art. In Pindar, she inspires victory odes with dance. She symbolizes the physical expression of poetic joy. Related: Muses, choreia (choral dance), musical poetry.
Also Known As
Terpsichore the Muse of Dance Lyre-Playing Grace Choral Leader Light-Footed Inspiration
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