Who is a satyr? Mythology of Ancient Greece

Asking yourself the question, a satyr - who it is, a person should understand that modern interpretation somehow differs from that given by the Greeks. Today, satires, like mythical creatures, are identified with lust and debauchery in a negative way, while in the days of Antiquity they were, rather, positive heroes.

Satyr: The Mythology of Ancient Greece

The Greeks considered the satyrs to be the companions of the god of wine and the fun of Dionysus. They helped him to organize holidays and took part in the games.

Different ideas about how the satire looked. Mythology claims that he had horse or goat legs, ears and a tail, and also horns. To this portrait is sometimes added and horse phallus. This is understandable, since Dionysus was responsible for fertility in all its manifestations, including for human fertility. In those days, physical love was considered in the context of fertility, so satires were revered precisely in this aspect. Proof of this mandatory game of satyrs is a small part of the theatrical performance, which was arranged as a sign of homage to Dionysus as the god of wine, fun and fertility at the end of each play.

Faunas

With the passage of time and the expansion of the empire of the Romans, the functions and qualities of the satire have changed. They mingled with the Romans' conceptions of the Fauns. But the faun is not a satyr. Mythology indicates that the fauns are similar to the goat, and the satyrs to the horses. Today, using the words "satyr" and "faun", people often think that these are different names of the same mythical character.

At the same time, the faun is a spirit of nature, which, in turn, was connected with the Greek Pan. In other words, the original functions of these characters left no trace. The Roman tradition is firmly entrenched in art and literature, therefore satyrs are depicted as possessors of the human torso and goat legs.

Art and Mythology

Early Greek art represented the retinue of Dionysus as old and ugly creatures. But the art schools are changing, and with them the satyr. Mythology, under the influence of the works of the Attic school, begins to depict satyrs in the aspect of fertility, youth and fun.

They are lovers of pleasure, fun and women. Their original wild nature is gradually changing under the influence of currents of humanism. The satires of the lustful companions of the god of wine and joy in all its manifestations turn into carefree and kind dance lovers. In one of Aesop's fables, the satyr (mythology by this time has already somewhat changed) is described as a hospitable host, which is surprised by the volatility of people.