Parnassus. One of the tallest mountains in Greece, Parnassus lies in the Pindus range, northeast of nearby Delphi. The mountain was sacred to Apollo and the Muses. The Delphic oracle was located on its slopes, as was the Castalian spring, whose waters were said to have the power of inspiration. Because of these associations, Parnassus was considered the home of music and poetry.

    In the postclassical arts Parnassus has become synonymous with the ideal of excellence, especially in the arts. In his function as musagetes (leader of the Muses), Apollo is depicted with the nine maidens and other classical figures symbolic of art and harmony. Scenes identified as “Parnassus” are often confused or conflated with Mount Helicon, birthplace of the Muses and site of the Hippocrene fountain, which itself is sometimes confused with the Castalian spring. Pegasus, the winged horse, is often seen carrying a poet, who is sometimes identified as Apollo. Similarly, Athena (Minerva), companion of the Muses and a protector of the arts, is often included in these “Parnassian” scenes, as are the Graces.

    

    Classical Sources. Ovid, Metamorphoses 1.317,2.221,4-643, 5.278,11.165, n.339. Pausanias, Description cf Greece 10.6.1.

    See also Apollo; Muses; Pegasus.