Musaeus of Eleusis was a semi-legendary poet and religious teacher from the 6th century BCE. He is traditionally linked to the sacred rituals at Eleusis and is often described as a disciple or even the son of the mythical bard Orpheus, placing him within the inspired, mystical tradition of ancient Greek religion.
Ancient sources credit him with composing oracles, hymns, and a poem on the origin of the gods. However, none of these works survive intact. Their historical reliability is complicated because, according to the historian Herodotus, a compiler named Onomacritus was accused of editing and forging verses attributed to Musaeus in the 6th century BCE.
Despite the uncertain nature of his actual writings, Musaeus holds a significant place in Greek tradition as a link in the transmission of Orphic religious ideas and theological poetry. He was considered a major authority on ritual practice and initiatory lore, especially for the Eleusinian Mysteries. His legendary status demonstrates how the name of an inspired poet-priest could carry great cultural and even political weight in the ancient world.
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