Also called Satyroi, Silenoi, Silenus (the eldest).
The tale
Satyrs were the wild companions of Dionysus, part man and part horse in early Greek art, with pointed ears and a tail, who drank, danced and chased nymphs through the woods. The eldest of them, Silenus, was wise as well as drunk. Midas, king of Phrygia, caught Silenus by pouring wine into a spring where he drank, and asked him what was best for humankind. After a long silence, the old satyr said the best thing was never to be born, and the next best was to die soon.
When they are met
- at harvest and grape-picking
- at parties and celebrations
- in spring
Staying on their good side
- wine or grape juice
- music and dancing
- laughter and good humour
- fruit
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Dance or play music with friends and let yourself be silly.
- Pour a little wine or grape juice on the ground at a harvest meal.
- Watch or read a Greek comedy.
- Spend time outdoors letting off steam.
What their tales teach
- joy and play
- music
- letting go of stiffness
- wisdom hidden in unlikely places
Symbols
- horse ears and tails
- the wine cup and wineskin
- pan pipes and double pipes
- ivy
- the thyrsus staff
From Greek vase painting, satyr plays and later writers; their goat legs come from later blending with Pan and Roman fauns.
More Greek folklore
- The Nymphs The spirits of spring, tree and mountain
- Medusa The Gorgon whose gaze turns flesh to stone
- Circe The enchantress of the island of Aeaea
- The Sirens The singers of the deadly shore
- Kallikantzaroi The goblins of the Twelve Days
- The Neraides Fairy women of springs and hills
- Vrykolakas The restless dead of Greek villages
- The Lamia of folk tales The glutton ogress of Greek tales