Satyr watching a nymph. Image by Weronika Krol
Satyrs are wild creatures of the mountains and forests that are characterized by their carefree, cruel and lascivious nature.
Physically they are like humans with very hairy heads and arms. They have small black horns and the lower limbs of a billy goat. Their skin and hair are dark brown or reddish brown. They can measure up to 3 meters high.
They love to frolic in the fields, hunt, play the reed pipe, and chase nymphs.
Satyrs have a special interest in music and dance. Their dance is known as sikinnis and they often organize impromptu reed concerts to attract nymphs.
These beings are known for their fondness for wine and drunkenness. They take advantage of any occasion to organize noisy orgies and thus satisfy their uncontrollable sexual desires.
Satyr jumping. Image by John Stanko
According to Greek legends, satyrs were part of the procession of Dionysus, God of wine and agricultural fertility. Dionysus discovered wine and wanted to make the intoxicating drink known, so he toured the villages and towns accompanied by his procession made up of satyrs, centaurs and some nymphs seduced by music and wine.
The shepherds and ranchers feared the arrival of the satyrs since their festivals scared away the flocks and domestic animals in the area.
There are some beings known as fauns that are possibly related to satyrs, although they have a very different character. For many years, fauns have been the symbol of agricultural fertility, especially in grain and grape crops.
Fauns have the body and face of a man, and the legs, tail, and ears of a deer. They are not hostile or aggressive beings and share the satyr’s passion for the reed pipe.
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