Legends and traditions of many peoples of the world are important topics for the study of folk art. They tell about the heroic history of peoples, contain a number of interesting facts around which there is a lot of controversy. Artists, sculptors and architects immortalize heroes in stone and on canvas, while writers, poets and playwrights play with stories in their works.
Mythical creatures, fabulous animals and monsters
Ancient man was in fear of the power of the forces of nature. These forces embodied various images of monsters and beasts, which were the product of the human imagination.
As a rule, such creatures combined human and animal body parts. Tails of fish and snakes, wings and beaks of birds, hooves, tails and horns of domestic animals emphasized the hideousness of monsters. Most of them were inhabitants of the seabed, marsh mud, dense forests. These habitats represented their dark essence.
But not all monsters are scary,among them are quite beautiful inhabitants of fantastic worlds. Mostly they are demi-humans, but sometimes there are absolutely fantastic creatures among them, unlike either an animal or a person.
Half-human, half-goat from antiquity
The largest number of such demi-humans is characteristic of Greek mythology. They were endowed with superpowers and attributed to them various deceit.
Pan is a good forest god
Initially, the god Pan was one of the most ancient Greek gods. Lord of the forests, shepherds and protector of cattle breeders. Despite the fact that Pan was honored in Argos and Arcadia, where animal husbandry was actively developed, he was not included in the pantheon of the Olympic gods. Over time, he becomes just a patron of wildlife.
His father was the powerful Zeus, and his mother was the nymph Dryope, who fled when she saw her son of unusual appearance. Half-man, half-goat Pan was born with goat hooves and a beard, and the Olympian gods were surprised and laughed when they saw the son of Zeus on Olympus.
But god Pan is kind. To the sound of his flute, herds graze peacefully and nymphs dance merrily. But there are a lot of rumors about him. Tired after round dances, it is better not to wake him up, because Pan is quick-tempered and can frighten a person or send him into a deep sleep. Greek shepherds and herdsmen honored Pan and coaxed him with gifts of wine and meat.
Satires
Satyr is outwardly half-human, half-goat. An athletic creature with goat legs, hooves,tail and horns. In Greek mythology, he personifies the forest lord of fertility.
Who does the half-human, half-goat look like? Photos of paintings by famous artists depict satyrs surrounded by forests, playing the flute. They were considered the embodiment of male power. They get drunk, chase wood nymphs and seduce them.
Half-human, half-goat is endowed with the strength of wild animals, and human morality and rules are alien to him. They could often be seen surrounded by Dionysus, the god of winemaking and fun.
In the legends of other peoples, there is also a half-man-half-goat. What is the name of the creature and what does it represent?
Ochokochi
In Georgian folk tales there is a story about a hunter who met a humanoid creature at night in the forest. They call him Ochokochi. This evil deity is the worst enemy of hunters and gatherers.
Ochokochi is a huge evil monster covered with thick red hair. From his chest protrudes a sharp hump in the form of an ax, with which he cuts opponents. Ochokochi was immortal and no hunter could kill him. Some Georgian families still scare naughty children with this character.
Krampus
This is a half-man-half-goat in Western European mythology. He is a Christmas hero and the antipode of Santa Claus, a frequent guest of the winter holidays, who punishes naughty children. This creature is often used to scare children today.
Krampus legends are associated with the onset of cold weather and shorter daylight hours. Most of the stories about thesevicious and treacherous creatures can be heard in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The image of Krampus, despite the menacing and frightening appearance, is associated with the Christmas holidays.
In Western Europe, this deity even came up with a whole holiday - "Krampusin". This fun and kind action sets people in a good festive mood. People dressed in horned Krampus skins appear on the streets. They are hung with all sorts of loud attributes - bells and pieces of iron, make noise, play with children and adults.
Half-man-half-goat in mythology is the devil?
In the Christian religion, the image of a creature with the features of a goat is considered the personification of the devil and the most negative qualities are attributed to him. During the Middle Ages, the image of a satyr was transformed into the image of a devil. Ancient artists portrayed these creatures as musicians picking grapes and making wine.
The image of a half-man-half-goat has smoothly migrated to modern fairy tales and legends. And it is associated not only with evil and negativity, but also with fertility and fun.
