Satyroi and Silenoi : between Carnal Desire and Dual Nature

The research attempts a study of the Satyros( Σάτυρος ), a mythic character enveloped in mystery because it is overlaps with other mythic creatures. The research also sheds light on the peculiar nature of the Satyros and its close relationship to the ancient Greek theatre. The etymology of "Satyros" is investigated with a view to exploring whether it is a specially designed name for that creature or an attribute that generically describe certain groups of creatures. The research also investigates the dual nature and significance of the Satyros in so far as explicit carnal desires are concerned. Furthermore, artistic representations of the Satyros will be surveyed, especially in their relationship with other mythic characters. Owing to the close relation between Satyroi (Σάτυροi (and Silenoi (Σειληνόi), as the former are young spirits while the latter are spirits who attained maturity, difficulties arose in differentiating them; therefore, this research compares and contrasts Satyroi and Silenoi from an artistic perspective to fill in the gap in literary sources in this regard.
The research concludes that Satyroi are dual-natured creatures: human as children of the world, and animal as represented by the figure of a goat. A human form with a horse's tail may also be a representation of the Satyroi. The literary and artistic interpretations of such representations vary, but the researcher deduces that these are αὐτόχθονeς, i.e. native inhabitants regarded as heroes whose origin goes back to the goddess Earth. The researcher also investigates the Satyroi's carnal habits in a society that was populated by males, females and their offspring who inherit like features. Females sometimes surpass males in strength, are more sexually active, and highly fertile like men. The researcher comes to the conclusion that the existence of the Satyroi was purely based on carnal desire regardless of the gender. Such voluptuousness is obvious in their words and acts as well as their interaction with others. Consequently, artists focused on the explicitly erect and potent phallus of the male Satyroi. It has been also observed the both Sophocles and Euripides depended in their plays on Satyroi and Silenoi to construct a well-made plot as well as comments and comic scenes that are highly critical of their society. Taboo words, licentiousness, clothes frame these voluptuous characters who are also branded with cowardice, drunkenness and lethargy.