What is Satyr?

In Greek mythology, satyrs were half-man, half-beast creatures that lived in forests and hills. Usually pictured as human above the waist and as horse or goat below the waist, satyrs had pointed ears or horns on their heads. They represented protohellenic woodland and bucolic deities of nature, the veneration of animalistic deities of fertility and prosperity. In later Hellenic religion satyrs were seen as a manifestation of the wild, often making appearances to play mischief or to take part in Bacchus’ festivities. Generally they weren’t so much venerated as seen wistfully as playful spirits. According to some sources, satyrs were the children of goats and mountain nymphs. However, the Greek poet Hesiod identifies satyrs as brothers of the nymphs, while also calling them  mischievous. Followers of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, satyrs had a reputation for drunkenness and lewdness. They were considered symbols of fertility and were frequently portrayed chasing nymphs. During the festival of Dionysus in ancient Athens, satyr plays featuring a chorus of boisterous satyrs were performed along with the tragedies.

The post What is Satyr? appeared first on interaksyonph.