satyrs
Publié le 22/02/2012
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Greek One of a class of woodland and
mountain spirits attendant on Dionysus. They are
usually shown as part human and part goat or monkey.
The satyrs were noted for riotousness and mischief,
terrifying herdsmen and shepherds, and chasing after
Nymphs. One legend relates that the satyrs were
originally men, sons of Hermes and Iphthima. The
goddess Hera turned them into half human beasts
to punish them for neglecting to keep watch over
Dionysus. They were ever after faithful to the god
and accompanied him to all his festivals. Medieval
Christian art used the satyrs as images of the devil.