lyre
Other forms: lyres
A lyre is a stringed musical instrument that looks like a very small harp. Ancient Greek art includes many pictures of people playing the lyre.
In Greek mythology, the god Hermes created the first lyre from the entrails of Apollo's cows. Rather than being angry about the stolen cattle, when Apollo heard the lyre's music, he was enchanted. While musicians today play many versions of lyre-like instruments, the lyre itself is thought of as an antique, mostly of historical interest. While experts know that the root lyra is a Greek word, its origin is unknown.
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a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment
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Vocabulary lists containing lyre
Listen up! We've assembled a collection of words for unusual musical instruments that will either make you want to cover your ears or pick up a dulcimer and strum along.
If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.
Translated from the original Greek by Robert Fagles, this epic poem relates events from the Trojan War, including the exploits of Achilles.