The diversity of the entire animal world is known as fauna, a word that comes from Faun, a being from Roman mythology that corresponds to the god Pan from Greek mythology.
In most mythological stories it is stated that Fauno was the son of Pico (a grandson of Saturn) and the nymph Marica. Like his grandfather, Fauno is one of the gods of agriculture and cattle and is also the protector of shepherds.
According to mythological accounts, he reigned over the territory of Lazio and taught its inhabitants agricultural techniques. To venerate Saturn, the god Faun promoted human sacrifices in his honor.
In tradition, he is described as having a singular appearance, as he has the legs and feet of a goat, a head with two horns, a flattened nose, and a messy beard and hair. This image corresponds to the characteristics of the god Pan of the Greeks.
Due to his grotesque appearance he was an unfortunate being. In fact, when he fell in love with the nymph Sírinix, she did not want to return her love. As the god did not give up on her and pursued her through the forest, the rest of the gods took pity on the nymph and turned her into a reed. Totally afflicted, the god of agriculture took two stalks of the cane and made a flute to sing beautiful songs.
A possible interpretation of the myth
Although there is no single interpretation of the Faun myth, most scholars believe that its meaning could be explained by the need to take care of the crops. Thus, as at that time the regularity of natural phenomena was unknown, men had to find the support of a divinity that protected their crops.
The fauns of Roman mythology are the descendants of Faun and correspond to the Greek satyrs.
These beings from mythology were associated with lust, that is, excessive sexual appetite. They were fond of wine and wild dancing. They tirelessly pursued the nymphs, but at the same time they were friendly and enjoyed music. Fauns had legs with abundant hair, ears and tail like those of a deer, and the rest of the body human-like.
Other hybrid beings of mythology
In both Greek and Roman stories, strange beings with human and animal features abound. The Minotaur had the head of a bull and the body of a man, and his name means “head of Minos.” Mermaids were sea creatures with the face of a woman. Harpies were beautiful women with wings.
Fotolia photos: zwiebackesser / nuriagdb