Never ask a writer where they get their ideas. They haven’t got a clue.

Fortunately for everyone, the Ancient Greeks did have a clue. Several clues in fact. But in order to understand what was really going on, you need to get to grips with muses. And some Greek history. And a bit of what passes for the Greek religion, such as it was. And then, of course, you have to make sure everyone who wants a muse has one. Including people you wouldn’t think needed one.