Difference between revisions of "Satyr"
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'''Note on etymology''': The English word '''satyr''' comes from the Greek σάτυρος (''saturos''), which was used, like its English descendant, to refer either to one of the mythological '''satyrs''' or to a man with excessive sexual desires. | '''Note on etymology''': The English word '''satyr''' comes from the Greek σάτυρος (''saturos''), which was used, like its English descendant, to refer either to one of the mythological '''satyrs''' or to a man with excessive sexual desires. | ||
| − | '''Note on pronunciation''': Do not confuse the words '''satyr''' and '''satire''', and be careful to distinguish them in [[pronunciation]]. Both words are pronounced with the stress on the first [[syllable]], which is short, but the second [[syllable]] of satyr is also short {{IPA| ‘sæ tə}}, while the second syllable of '''satire''' is a [[diphthong]] {{IPA|‘sæ taɪə}}. ('''Satire''' is the use of ridicule, irony, etc., to criticise some aspect or aspects of contemporary life, or a literary work which has this purpose. For more see [[Satire]].) | + | '''Note on pronunciation''': Do not confuse the words '''satyr''' and '''satire''', and be careful to distinguish them in [[pronunciation]]. Both words are pronounced with the stress on the first [[syllable]], which is short, but the second [[syllable]] of '''satyr''' is also short ({{IPA| ‘sæ tə}}), while the second syllable of '''satire''' is a [[diphthong]] ({{IPA|‘sæ taɪə}}). ('''Satire''' is the use of ridicule, irony, etc., to criticise some aspect or aspects of contemporary life, or a literary work which has this purpose. For more see [[Satire]].) |
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[[Category:Etymology]][[Category:Greek]][[Category:Mythology]] | [[Category:Etymology]][[Category:Greek]][[Category:Mythology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:57, 24 October 2022
A satyr is a mythological creature, in appearance part-human and part-goat. In Greek mythology the satyrs lived in the woods and hills, and were the constant companions of the god Dionysus, following him wherever he went, and spending their time drinking, dancing, and chasing the nymphs.
A satyr play was a type of ancient Greek drama which reflected the behaviour of the mythological satyrs. Satyr plays, which had a chorus of satyrs and were presented at the Dionysian festival, were noted for their coarseness and bawdy humour.
The word satyr may also be applied to a man who has very strong sexual desires or, in medical contexts, to a man who suffers from satyriasis, a condition the principal symptoms of which are a compulsion to have sex with as many women as possible and an inability to form meaningful, long-term relationships with any of them.
A satyr may also be a butterfly, a member of any of various species within the genus Satyrus. Satyrs, which are dark in colour and often have eyelike markings on their wings, are found in Europe and in the United States.
Note on etymology: The English word satyr comes from the Greek σάτυρος (saturos), which was used, like its English descendant, to refer either to one of the mythological satyrs or to a man with excessive sexual desires.
Note on pronunciation: Do not confuse the words satyr and satire, and be careful to distinguish them in pronunciation. Both words are pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, which is short, but the second syllable of satyr is also short (IPA: / ‘sæ tə/), while the second syllable of satire is a diphthong (IPA: /‘sæ taɪə/). (Satire is the use of ridicule, irony, etc., to criticise some aspect or aspects of contemporary life, or a literary work which has this purpose. For more see Satire.)
