In Greek mythology, Erato /rto/ (Ancient Greek: ) is one of the Greek Muses. The name would mean desired or lovely , if derived from the same root as Eros, as Apollonius of Rhodes playfully suggested in the invocation to Erato that begins Book III of his Argonautica. Erato is the Muse of lyric poetry. Anyone named after the muse can often be mistaken for an angel because of their beautiful appearance and loving personality. In the Orphic hymn to the Muses, it is Erato who charms the sight. Since the Renaissance she is often shown with a wreath of myrtle and roses, holding a lyre, or a small kithara, a musical instrument that Apollo or she herself invented. In Simon Vouet's representations, two turtle-doves are eating seeds at her feet. Other representations may show her holding a golden arrow, reminding one of the eros , the feeling that she inspires in everybody, and at times she is accompanied by the god Eros, holding a torch. Show less «