Satyr
Originating from Greek mythology, the Satyr is a creature of revelry, possessing a human upper body and the legs of a goat, complete with horns and a playful demeanor. With an insatiable appetite for pleasure and music, it represents the carnal and the unrestrained, showcasing the hedonistic aspects of ancient myths.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Greek mythology
- Region
- Greece (place of origin)
- Trait family
- The Song-Binders
Near this figure
and 1 more
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- flute bears The flute denotes powerful emotion, seduction, harmony, and divine music; Greek accounts also frame it as bodily distortion or foreign excess.
why
They are often depicted playing the pan flute or syrinx, instruments associated with their patron god, Pan.
- Legs bears image-domain Legs denote upright support and the individual journey of a life, answering the Sphinx's riddle by their number, and hobbled to signify conquest.
why
Originating from Greek mythology, the Satyr is a creature of revelry, possessing a human upper body and the legs of a goat, complete with horns and a playful demeanor.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
With the upper body of a man and the lower half of a goat, complete with cloven hooves and a tail, the Satyr represents a bridge between the mortal and natural worlds.
Behaviour
- Messenger of a deity
why
In Greek mythology, Satyrs are frequent companions of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, further emphasizing their association with revelry and uninhibited celebration.
Sight and sound
- Haunting music entrances or terrifies listeners
why
Their music is said to have the power to entrance and seduce
Utility powers
- Emotional manipulation
why
Their music is said to have the power to entrance and seduce, reflecting their role as creatures of sensuality and abandon.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries both readings
4 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 529.
- Hesiod, translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns and Homerica, p. 276.
- J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols, s.v. "Satyr."
- Maria Leach, editor, Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, s.v. "Satyr."
- Trickster carries both readings
4 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 529.
- Hesiod, translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns and Homerica, p. 276.
- J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols, s.v. "Satyr."
- Maria Leach, editor, Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, s.v. "Satyr."