Blog Post #2: Satyrs

 

At the beginning of class a few weeks ago, we observed various pictures of witches consorting and capering with devils. When asked for similarities between the pictures, most answers focused on the human members of these demonic dance parties, not their hosts. However, in my opinion, the eeriest correlation was with the demons themselves. Their satyr-like appearance in almost every picture was seemingly taken for granted. Since these depictions do not dramatically differ from those in modern-day media, it appears many people do not bat an eye at the thought of witches hoofing it with goat-men. But why is this the case? Let’s take a look:

The Scapegoat:

According to the Old Testament, there was a large ceremony once a year called the Day of Atonement. Before this ceremony, Ancient Israelites would cleanse themselves – both literally and ritualistically – of the sins committed in the year prior. This practice was also carried out on a communal level. Every year, the High Priest of Israel would sprinkle blood onto the “Mercy Seat”, which is the lid of the Ark of the Covenant. Afterwards, with his hand upon a goat, the Priest would go out and confess the sins of the community. Called the scapegoat, this hand-picked animal was cast out of the city, left to wander the wilderness as a sacrifice. The devil, being similarly cast out of Heaven, soon developed his famous tie to the creature.

The Shepherd:

Another theory implies that the association of goats with devils occurred because goats were the inverse of sheep, which, of course, is a common description of the followers of Christ (i.e. the Shepherd, Lamb of God, etc.). More than this, however, goats also possess qualities that align with devilry, or at least how devilry is commonly portrayed. For instance, like the devil, goats are known to be extremely smart, but in a cunning way that evinces a lack of complete trust. Goats are also stubborn, unruly, and occasionally malicious. Whether these qualities were applied to goats before or after their association with demons is a matter of debate, but many people still insist that the association began because goats seemed both akin and antithetical to sheep.

The Pagan:

Noticeably absent from the previous two theories is an explanation for why many devils still possess some human component. After all, in class, they were portrayed as satyrs: half-goat, half-man. This specific description is tied to Greek mythology and its subsequent adaptations into broader pre-Christian European paganism. In effect, the devil became akin to Pan, a nature god known for his lusty, carnal desires. Many people believe this conflation occurred intentionally, that the Catholic Church did so to convert many different people as it spread across the continent. Indeed, if these generally beloved gods were seen as deceitful or malicious, it would be far easier to convince a population to change religions. | This is the theory I am most inclined to believe.