Calliope

Calliope is a name with several uses in mythology, biology, and culture. It appears in ancient references as well as in modern naming, script, and art.

In Greek mythology, Calliope is one of the nine Muses, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, and the muse of epic poetry. She is often described as the “beautiful-voiced” muse and is traditionally depicted with a writing tablet or scroll and a stylus, sometimes wearing a crown. The name Calliope is commonly interpreted as meaning “beautiful voice” in Greek.

In music, a calliope refers to a steam-organ instrument that produces sound by forcing steam or compressed air through whistles, typically controlled from a keyboard. It is commonly associated with ships, riverboats, and circuses due to its loud, distinctive tone.

In biology, Calliope is the common name for the Calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), a small hummingbird native to the western United States and Mexico. It is among the smallest birds in its range, with males displaying iridescent throat patches during courtship and undertaking long-distance migration between North American breeding grounds and Mexican wintering sites.

The name Calliope also appears in modern culture as a given name for fictional characters, composers, or artistic works, reflecting its mythological associations with storytelling and eloquence.