The faun is a half human–half goat (from the head to the waist being human, but with the addition of goat horns) manifestation of forest and animal spirits that would help or hinder humans at whim. Romans believed fauns inspired fear in men traveling in lonely, remote or wild places. They were also capable of guiding humans in need, as in the fable of The Satyr and the Traveller, in the title of which Latin authors substituted the word Faunus. Fauns and satyrs were originally quite different creatures: whereas fauns are half-man and half-goat, satyrs originally were depicted as stocky, hairy, ugly dwarfs or woodwoses with the ears and tails of horses or asses. Satyrs also were more woman-loving than fauns, and fauns were rather foolish where satyrs had more knowledge. Both also have horns and both resemble goats below the waist, humans above; but originally, satyrs had human feet, fauns goatlike hooves. The Romans also had a god named Faunus and goddess Bona Dea (female faun), who, like the fauns, were goat-people. The faun loves to dance and play the flute. Romans believed fauns inspired fear in men traveling in lonely, remote, or wild places, but were also capable of guiding humans in need.
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Mythological Creatures
FantasyDo you know what an Ifrit is, or how Will-o'-the-Wisp attract people? Do you want to put a certain mythological creature in your story, but are confused on where to look it up? Well, you've come to the right place! "Mythological Creatures" will take...
