Definition

Noun: - A deity from Greek mythology: Specifically, the god of fields, woods, shepherds, and flocks. He is depicted as a man with the legs, horns, and ears of a goat. This figure is identified with the Roman gods Sylvanus or Faunus.

Usage

• The term "goat god" is used to refer to this specific mythological figure, often in discussions of classical mythology, literature, or art.
• It functions as a common noun and is typically not capitalized unless starting a sentence.

Examples

• In many ancient depictions, the goat god is shown playing panpipes.
• The cult of the goat god was associated with wilderness and fertility.
• Artists often portrayed the goat god in a playful or mischievous manner.

Advanced Usage

• The "goat god" is a direct translation and descriptive term for the Greek god Pan. Using "goat god" can make the concept more accessible to those unfamiliar with the name "Pan."
• In modern fantasy literature and media, archetypal characters inspired by the goat god are common, representing a connection to nature and untamed instincts.

Variants and Related Words

• Pan: The proper name of the Greek god referred to as the "goat god."
• Faunus: The Roman counterpart, often also described as a goat god.
• Satyr: In a broader sense, a class of Greek woodland spirits that share the hybrid human-goat appearance, though Pan is a specific god, not merely a satyr.
• The Horned God: A modern pagan deity concept that draws inspiration from figures like the goat god.

Synonyms

• Pan (proper noun)
• The god Pan
• The rustic god (a more general descriptive term)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Panic: This word derives from the name Pan, the goat god, reflecting the sudden, groundless fear he was believed to cause.
• Pipes of Pan: Refers to the musical instrument (panpipes) associated with the goat god.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) god of fields and woods and shepherds and flocks; represented as a man with goat's legs and horns and ears; identified with Roman Sylvanus or Faunus