“诗歌的栖息地，诗人的家园，”这个说法出现在14世纪晚期，源自意大利语的 Parnaso，再追溯到拉丁语 Parnassus，最终源于希腊语 Parnassos, Parnasos。这是一条位于希腊中部的山脉，因与阿波罗和缪斯女神的神圣联系而被视为诗歌的象征。古代文献中提到这个地方的更早名称是 Larnassos，而Beekes则暗示它可能起源于前希腊时期。相关词汇还有 Parnassian。
Various kinds of literary fame seem destined to various measures of duration. Some spread into exuberance with a very speedy growth, but soon wither and decay; some rise more slowly, but last long. Parnassus has its flowers of transient fragrance, as well as its oaks of towering height, and its laurels of eternal verdure. [Samuel Johnson, "The Rambler," March 23, 1751]
各种文学声誉似乎注定要有不同的持续时间。有些声誉像盛开的花朵，迅速绽放却也很快凋零；而有些则像缓慢生长的树木，虽然起步迟缓却能长久存在。帕尔纳索斯山上既有短暂芬芳的花朵，也有高耸入云的橡树，还有常青的月桂树。[塞缪尔·约翰逊，《漫游者》，1751年3月23日]
