Lyre

A lyre (pronounce to rhyme with "fire") is an instrument which is like a mixture between a harp and a guitar. It is held in one hand and the strings are strummed using the other hand. Lyres were among the first string instruments to be invented.it was used in various ancient cultures, including Sumerian, Egyptian, and Greek to accompany music, poetry, and dance. Lyres are typically plucked, though some are bowed, and they come in different forms, such as box lyres and bowl lyres, with varying numbers of strings and materials. A lyre has two arms and a crossbar, with strings stretched between the crossbar and a tailpiece or soundbox. It is classified as a plucked string instrument and a member of the lute family. Lyres are crafted from various materials, including wood, animal shells, and metal. The strings are plucked to produce sound, creating a peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful tone. The lyre's origins can be traced back over 4,500 years to the ancient Middle East, with notable examples found in the Sumerian culture of Babylonia.