Satyr, << SAT uhr or SAY tuhr >>, was a minor god of the countryside and woods in Greek mythology. Satyrs looked basically like ordinary human beings. But most of them had some animal features, such as goats’ legs, hoofs, horns, and pointed ears, in a number of different combinations.
Satyrs followed Dionysus, the god of wine, and Pan, the god of woods and pastures. Most satyrs were young, playful, and mischievous. They sometimes became wild and uncontrolled but rarely harmed anyone. Their favorite occupations were drinking wine and pursuing lovely maidens called nymphs. They also enjoyed music and dancing. Some older satyrs, though drunkards, were considered extremely wise. The Roman word for a satyr was faun.
