SATYR (Satyrus, larupos) is the name by which the ancients desig nated a class of rustic deities, or Dionysii. Like the Panes and Fauni, they were a kind of intermediate beings between men and animals, and lo features which they had in common with the latter were chiefly derived from goats. They were by some said to be the sous of Hermes and Ipthima. They seem originally to have been a sort of rustic or sylvan gods, who were worshipped in some parts of Pelopon sesus. In the earlier works of ancient art they are represented with rather long and pointed ears, bald-headed, and with little protuberauces like horns behind their ears. Sometimes their figure approached still nearer to the animal form, as they were represented with goats' feet end horns. During the best period of Grecian art the human form is entire, and the animal character is expressed by a little tail at the lower part of the back, and by a considerable degree of sensuality in the features and attitudes. They carry the thyrsus, shepherd's staff, or syrinx, wine-cups, &c., and are clad in the skins of animals, with wreaths of ivy, &c. Satyrs of a more graceful form are seen playing the flute, or, like Ampulus, as cup-bearers to Dionysos. Often, how
ever, especially in later Greek and Greco-Roman art, they are of a lascivious character. Satyrs were the constant companions of Diony sus, and in the Dionysiac processions they always appear dancing, with cymbals or flutes in their hands. In the Greek drama the chorus at the Dionysia originally assumed the character of satellites of Dionysos, —that is, of satyrs,—and it is expressly stated that Arion not only invented the tragic dithyramb, but introduced satyrs, whence, accord ing to some accounts, the name tragedy, or goats' song, arose. But the chorus of the Attic tragedy, in the course of time, gradually lost its satyric character, and a distinct satyric drama was developed, which is described by the ancients as a playful tragedy. The complete sepa ration of this satyric drama from tragedy is ascribed to Pratina.s of (Muffler, Areldiolog. der .A'unst,§ 385 ; H. C. A. Eichstiidt, De Dramas Oneeorunt Comico-Satyrien, Lips., 1793; and, above all, Casaubon, De Sat grim (7rtecorum Poesi et Ronianoram Satire.)