The Gods of Music (Explained)

There are many gods of music throughout history and each culture has its own interpretation of who these gods are and what they represent. These gods have a major influence on music, along with art, dance, and writing. 

Why was this such an important thing to them? This is because they believed that everything had to be “perfect” before it could be shared with other people. Something more beautiful and perfect than the gods themselves could be created with the help of their talents.

Greek Mythology Gods of Music

The gods of music have been a part of Greek mythology for centuries. This is because the music was seen as an important aspect of their culture – one that was to be refined before sharing with others.

In general, the gods of music were considered to be benevolent and helpful in regards to the arts. This is because they were seen as being the ones who inspired artists and other individuals to become better at what they do. In Greek mythology, it was Apollo that came up with the idea of creating the lyre as a way to help humans express themselves.

In regards to music, Greek gods have been associated with Olympus – a mountain in Greece that is said to be the home of gods. The Muses are often depicted as sitting next to Apollo on Olympus, and they would help him inspire individuals with their arts.

Apollo – The Greek And Roman God Of Music

The Greek god Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto, is one of the most well-known gods of music. He was often associated with the sun and was considered to be a god of healing, light, truth, poetry, and music. He was also the god of prophecy and archery.

In regards to music, Apollo is often associated with the lyre (a type of stringed instrument). He is also said to have given musical instruction to Orpheus, his son, who was a legendary musician and poet.

The Muses – Nine Greek Goddesses Of Music, Song & Dance

The Muses were originally nymphs and gods of the wilderness, and it is said that their numbers grew to twelve when they attended Mount Olympus. Their names are Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomeni, Polymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, Calliope (Muse of epic poetry), and Ourania (Muse of astronomy).

In regards to music, they were credited with inventing the musical vibrations in Lyre and the seven chords of the Lyre. They were said to inspire individuals with their talents, which included the inspiration of poets and musicians. A famous example of this would be how they inspired Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey poems.

Roman Mythology Gods of Music

The gods of Roman mythology have a similar role to the gods of Greek mythology when it comes to music. This is because the Romans also believed that everything needed to be perfect before it could be shared with others. 

In regards to music, Roman Mythology includes similarities to Greek mythology. They also credited Apollo as the god of music, as well as his son Orpheus.

Canens – The Roman Personification Of Song

Although not a true god of music, Canens is the Roman personification of a song. In some myths, she’s depicted as being one of the Muses instead. In addition to this, she was also said to have been the sister of Latinus and Amata – another mythological figure from Roman mythology.

In regards to her role in music, it was said that she could enchant humans and gods with her voice, as well as tame beasts, calm rivers, and move stones. She was also said to have been able to make flowers bloom with her singing, and would often be seen accompanying other gods and goddesses when they would sing.

Egyptian Mythology Gods of Music 

Just like in Greek and Roman Mythology, the gods of music have also been a part of Egyptian mythology for centuries. In Egyptian mythology, it was Thoth that came up with the idea of creating the harp as a way to help humans express themselves.

In regards to music, Egyptian gods have been associated with Osiris – the god of the afterlife. Isis was said to be his wife, and she would help him inspire others through the arts.

Meret – The Dual Egyptian Goddess Of Rejoicing, Song, Dance, & Music

Meret is a dual goddess from Egyptian mythology who is considered to be the goddess of rejoicing, song, dance, and music. She was the wife of Hapy – the god of the Nile.

In regards to her role in music, it was said that she could help humans and gods achieve happiness through the arts. To the Egyptians, this was an important aspect of life because it meant that people were living their lives to their fullest potential.

Ihy – The Egyptian God Of Music And Lord Of The Sistrum

Ihy is an Egyptian god who is considered to be the god of music and the lord of the sistrum. He was often said to be the son of Hathor and Horus and was often depicted as being a young boy.

In regards to his role in music, it was said that he helped humans and gods to connect with each other through the arts. He was also said to be the one who helped people to feel the joys of life, and would often be seen accompanying Hathor when she would sing.

Hathor – The Egyptian Goddess Of Fertility, Music & Dancing

Hathor is an Egyptian goddess who is considered to be the goddess of fertility, music, and dancing. She was often said to be the wife of Horus and was often depicted as being a cow.

In regards to her role in music, it was said that she was the one who helped humans and gods to feel the joys of life. She was also said to be the one who inspired artists and helped them to create beautiful things. Her music was considered to be so divine that it could even bring people back from the dead.

Bes – The Multi-Instrumentalist Dwarf God

Bes is considered to be the god of childbirth, war, dance, and music. He is a respected god in Egyptian Mythology, also regarded as the protector in a sense. It is said that he was capable of repelling negative forces that surrounded mothers, children, and households.

In regards to music, Bes was able to play a few different instruments, such as the harp and drums. He was a symbol of music-making and dancing, due to his friendly nature.

Norse Mythology Gods of Music

Bragi – The Norse God Of Music & Poetry

Bragi is the god of poetry and song. He was often said to be the husband of Idunn and was often depicted as being a young man. In regards to his role in music, it was said that he inspired others to create poems and songs. Many skaldic poems of the Viking era make references to Bragi as “skáldskaparmál”, which means “the language of poetry”.

Bragi is also considered to be one of Odin’s sons, although it seems like he may have had another father during some stories. He was said to be the god who gave wisdom to gods, humans, and other living beings.

Celtic Mythology God of Music

Inuaria – The Celtic Goddess Of Music

Inuaria is a Celtic goddess who was said to have been the personification of music. She is often depicted as having wings, and in some instances, she would be seen riding on top of a swan.

When it came to her role in music, it was said that she would help people to understand different arts through visual and auditory means. This included music, song, and dance – all of which would help to enrich society as a whole.

Other Mythology Gods of Music

Oshun – The African Goddess Of Music, Fertility & Dance

Oshun is an African goddess who is considered to be the goddess of music, fertility, and dance. She was often said to be the wife of Shango – the god of thunder and lightning.

In regards to her role in music, it was said that she helped people to feel the joys of life. Oshun was also said to be the one who helped artists to create beautiful things, and her music was considered to be so divine that it could even bring people back from the dead.

Saraswati – The Hindu Goddess Of Music, Art & Knowledge

Saraswati is a Hindu goddess who is said to be the personification of music, art, and knowledge. She was often depicted as being a beautiful woman with four arms because in many instances she would have one hand dedicated to holding the sitar – the Indian instrument that was used for music.

In regards to her role in music, it was said that she was the one who helped people to understand different arts through visual and auditory means. This included music, song, and dance – all of which would help to enrich society as a whole. She is also considered to be the goddess of wisdom, which is why she is often associated with learning and knowledge.

Ninatta & Kulitta – The Mesopotamian Goddesses Of Music

Ninatta and Kulitta were Mesopotamian goddesses who were said to be the patronesses of music. It is unknown if there was just one of each, or if there were multiple versions of these gods.

In regards to their role in music, it was said that they were the ones who helped to inspire artists and helped them to create beautiful things. Their music was said to be so divine that it could even bring people back from the dead.

Summary

The gods of music play an important role in many cultures around the world. Each god has its own unique attributes and abilities that help to enrich society in different ways. Whether it’s through song, poetry, dance, or wisdom, the gods of music have a lot to offer.

When it comes to music specifically, the gods often help to inspire musicians and artists to create beautiful works. Their music is also said to be divine, and it has even been known to bring people back from the dead. 

So if you’re a fan of music, be sure to thank the gods for their contributions!