Thalia

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Thalia can refer to four distinct entities in Greek mythology, two of whom were daughters of Zeus, and a third of whom bore him sons. The name Thalia, or Thaleia, (pronounced /θə'laɪə/) is spelled θαλεια in Greek and derives from θάλλεω, “blooming”.

[edit] The Muse

Thalia was a rustic goddess, the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. In this context, her name means “flourishing,” because the praises in her songs flourish through time.^[1] Thalia was the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the eighth-born of the nine Muses. Her children by Apollo were the Corybantes. In art, Thalia was portrayed holding a comic mask, a shepherd’s staff, or a wreath of ivy.

[edit] The Grace

The Grace Thalia was the goddess of banquets and other festivities. In this context, her name means "rich" or "abundant". Thalia’s father was Zeus; her mother was Eurynome. She is also portrayed as the half-blood daughter of Zeus, and a mortal. Thalia was described as fair-cheeked and beautiful.^[2] She is the goddess of bountifulness and bloom. ^[3]

[edit] References

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