Word from Mythology: Calliope

Today's word from mythology is calliope. In modern English, the calliope is a musical instrument which plays loud sounds by blowing steam or gas through large pipes. You can read more about the calliope at Wikipedia. Here is a poster for a calliope, "the wonderful steam car of the Muses," from 1874 (image source).

In the mythology of ancient Greece, Calliope was a goddess. Specifically she was one of the Muses and presided over epic song and of eloquence in general. According to some ancient sources, she was the chief of the Muses. You can read more about Calliope the goddess at Wikipedia.

Here is a depiction of the goddess Calliope from a painting by Simon Vouet: