Difference between satyrs and fauns

If you are a fan of mythology , you have probably already read about different mythical creatures. All cultures have their myths, but without a doubt Greek mythology presents diverse and surprising creatures that are mostly the product of a culture with great imagination.  Difference between satyrs and fauns

Did you know that nymphs have different varieties depending on where they live? There are nymphs of the forest called dryads, of the rivers, known as naiads and there are even the sylphs, which are of the air. Anyway, Greek mythology is full of a lot of other colorful and puzzling characters like Pegasus, the winged horse that is white and shiny, born according to myth; of Medusa’s blood. There are also the chimeras and hydra, vile monsters that could devour more than one.

But among all these characters there are also the fauns and satyrs, which in many cases people often confuse because they are related to the cult of the god of wine Bacchus or Dionysus; character who loves the forest, everything green and life.

Satyrs are actually mythical creatures present in ancient Greek culture and literature. They are often described as half man and half goat. If you remember the Disney movie Hercules, the hero’s mentor is a satyr. If you’ve seen the movie, you already have a clearer idea of ​​what a satyr is. On the other hand, the fauns belong more to the Roman tradition. They are half man and half deer. Of course, they both have horns, but their personalities are very different.

Satyrs are characterized by a more lewd, vulgar, crude and risqué attitude. They used to be unpleasant to some people or other creatures. On the other hand, fauns are described as beings with more finesse, style, grace and elegance. Actually, they are more favored by the Romans.

In the original texts, fauns have legs that resemble humans; However, satyrs were depicted with hooves rather than goat feet.

Bacchus or Dionysus, the god of wine, was generally accompanied by satyrs. Like Bacchus, satyrs were known to be more aggressive, as well as their greater inclination to sexual pleasures compared to fauns. Both, however, are seen as forest dwellers and fond of trees and wood in particular.

For the Romans, fauns were seen as an embodiment of fear, especially when traveling or visiting distant unexplored forests.

Fauns, being partly deer, had natural graceful horns. However, like satyrs, they had to be earned painfully and with work. To win them it was necessary to do a good deed or be favored by the gods.

When physical appearances or appearances are compared, satyrs are less handsome than their faun counterparts. Fauns are often viewed as more delicate and innocent. More charming and attractive to look at. Satyrs are generally portrayed as clumsy and inept beings, with long hair and small eyes; plus a huge mouth. They were slaves to gluttony, drink, and debauchery; contrary to the fauns who were more refined.

Fauns were also considered geniuses, talented, and more efficient. While satyrs are described as foolish, naive, rogue and scoundrel.

Fauns and satyrs have been featured and featured in some famous Hollywood movies. Like in The Chronicles of Narnia, Pan’s Labyrinth and Percy Jackson. 

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