Divine Harmonies: Gods of Music Across Mythologies

Keith Muscat in collaboration with Malta Pagana

In pagan traditions, several deities and important figures are associated with music and the arts.  In this article we shall be shedding some light on the most notable ones.

The Ancient Greeks

Apollo & the Muses

Considered as the god of poetry, music and prophecy, Apollo is the patron of poets, musicians and singers.  He is often depicted with a lyre in hand.  The Pythagoreans believed that music was connected to the worship of Apollo, as through mathematics and music one could purify the soul.  Apolla is also considered as the leader of the Muses.  Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania are the ancient Greek Goddesses of literature, science and the arts.  In the modern age the word muse is still be used to describe a source of inspiration.

Pan

The Greek god Pan, having the hindquarters, legs and horns of a goat, is associated with the wild, shepherds and flocks.  He also symbolizes nature, sex, fertility and music.  The ancient Romans renamed him as Faunus.  Pan and Apollo once competed in a musical competition, in which Tmolus served as judge.  Pan played his pipes, hence the name pan-flute, but apollo was declared the winner.

The Ancient Romans

Canens

The daughter of Janus and Venilla and wife of Picus, Canens was a nymph from Latium, considered to be the personification of song, by ancient Romans.   When Picus rejected the advances of the witch Circe, she turned him into a woodpecker. Canens searched for her husband for six days before throwing herself into the Tiber river, singing one final song before she died.  She and Picus had one son, Faunus.

The Ancient Egyptians

Meret

Considered as the goddess of singing, dancing and rejoicing, Meret often appeared with an offering bowl on her head, symbolizing her role as the recipient of Hapy’s generosity. 

Ihy

This ancient Egyptian god is often depicted playing the sistrum.  He is often associated with the goddess Hathor, who is sometimes considered as his mother.   His other symbol is the necklace.

Hathor

This powerful and popular goddess is known for her roles as a protector of woman.  She is also considered to be a goddess of love, beauty, music, dancing, fertility and pleasure.

Bes

Commonly depicted as a dwarf-like being, Bes is considered to be the protector of children and god of music, merriment and childbirth.

Norse

Bragi

The wise and learned bard of Valhalla, welcomes the recently deceased heroes in the hall of Odin.

Celts

Inuaria

We do not know exactly what this Celtic goddess represents.  A small statue from the temple of Beire-le-chatel, in Burgungy, shows her as a woman with curly hair holding panpipes.  At the base the is an inscription reading ‘Deae Ianuariae.’   This spring shrine was also dedicated to Apollo.  Due her depiction with panpipes and the association with Apollo one can make an educated guess that she was also associated to music.   

Cerridwen and Taliesin

The Welsh enchantress Cerridwen was the mother of Afagddu and Creiwy.  She was married to Tegid Foel.  Medieval Welsh poetry refers to her as possessing the cauldron of poetic inspiration and the Tale of Taliensin recounts her swallowing her servant Gwion Bach, who is then reborn as the poet Taliesin. 

Ogma

Considered to be the inventor of the Ogha alphabet, he is described as being skilled in speech and poetry.

The Dagda

Being a figure of immense power in Celtic mythology, the Dagda has a magic staff, club/mace which can kill nine men with one blow.  But also bring them back to life with its handle.  He also has a magic cauldron and a magic harp that can put the season in order.  The Dagda is one of the kings of the Tuatha De Danann, the race of supernatural beings who conquered the Fomorians in Ireland.

Angus Og

In Irish mythology he is the god associated with youth, love, summer and poetic inspiration.

Brigid

Irish goddess associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, blacksmithing and domesticated animals.    She was Christianised as Saint Brigid and her festival marks the beginning of spring. 

African

Oshun

Oshun is a Yoruba river deity considered as the goddess of femininity, fertility, beauty, music and love.  She is also the patron of the Osun River in Nigeria.

Hindu

Saraswati

She is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom and learning.  She is generally depicted with four arms, holding a book, a rosary, a water pot and a musical instrument called the veena.

Mesopotamia

Ninatta and Kulitta

These two goddesses are considered to be the handmaidens of the Hurrian goddess Shaushka.  Regarded as divine musicians, they assisted their mistress in her attempt to subdue the monster Hedammu with a love potion. 

Slavic

Veles

He is considered to be the Slavic god of earth, waters, livestock, music and the underworld. 

Väinämöinen

The Finnish hero is the central character in the national epic Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.   He is described as an old and wise man with a powerful, magical singing voice.

Chinese

Han Xiangzi

This figure in Chinese mythology, is one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.  He is associated with the flute and believed to the composer of the musical piece Tian Hua Yin.

Fuxi

This cultural hero in Chinese legend and mythology is credited, along with his wife Nüwa, with creating humanity and inventing music, hunting, fishing, domestication of animals and cooking. 

Sunü

Ancient Chinese goddess associated with music and sexuality.  She is depicted as a skelled singer who can play the zither.

Kui

Another important figure in Chinese mythology who is associated with music and dancing.

Korean

Three Chaetpugi Brothers

These brothers, worshipped during Ch’ogongmaji, a shanti rite, are credited with inventing the shaman’s law, tools and rituals.  They are also known as sammyo(ngdu), associated with the sword, bell, and fortune telling block.

Japanese

Benzaiten

This Japanese goddess originated from the Hindu goddess of speech, the arts and learning, Saraswati, with certain traits derived from the warrior goddess Durga.  She is considered as patron of music and the arts and is often depicted holding a biwa or a lute.

Polynesian

Pasipo

God of music from the Philippines in Polynesian mythology.

Lono

Hawaiian god associated with fertility, agriculture, rainfall, music and peace.  He is also considered on of the four gods who existed before the world was created. 

Native American

Kokopelli

Fertility deity revered by some Native American cultures in the Southwestern United States.  He is also associated with childbirth, agriculture and music. 

Nltci

Native American god of the wind and wind instruments.

Mesoamerican 

Huehuecoyotl

Aztec god of music, dance, mischief and song. 

Sak Nik

Mayan deity associated with music, the soul and the wind.

Ah-Xoc-Xin

Mayan god of poetry and music.

This article is being presented in conjunction with Malta Pagana – The Ritual – Festival of Spirit on the land of Ancestors.   The fist edition will be held on 25 and 26 October.  

Launched in 2025, this festival aims to bring neo-pagans and interested parties together, in Malta, for two days of blending ancient traditions with contemporary creativity.  The festival invites participants to explore the rich heritage of pre-Christian, folkloric, and earth-based spiritual practices through workshops, music, art, and ritual.

With a strong focus on ecological awareness, personal empowerment, and community connection, Malta Pagana is more than just a festival—it's a sacred gathering that honours the cycles of nature, the power of myth, and the enduring beauty of cultural roots. Whether you're a seasoned pagan, a curious traveller, or a lover of history and nature, Malta Pagana offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Malta’s ancestral soul.  A Celebration of Ancient Rhythms through Modern Spirit.  Follow our Facebook page and keep yourself updated.  Facebook.com/people/Malta-Pagana.