The nine Pierides challenged the Muses to a singing contest and lost. The Muses transformed them into magpies — chattering birds that mimic speech without understanding, punishment for challenging divine inspiration.
Calliope, eldest of the Muses, served as champion against the Pierides in their singing contest. Her performance of the Rape of Persephone in Ovid's Metamorphoses 5 secured the Muses' victory.
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