All sorts of creatures and beings appear in folklore and mythology. Tales of previous times, they say, where Myths, Monsters and Legends were thought of as normal and mainstream. Part of everyday life still, not having yet become the Fairy Tales and Urban Myths we have today to remind us of a different time.

Pan (top left in pic), known as a Satry, it is said – “Pan is the Greek god of the wild, shepherds, flocks, nature of mountain wilds, and rustic music. Often depicted as a hybrid with the upper body of a man and the legs and horns of a goat, he is the leader of satyrs and a companion to nymphs.” A guardian then perhaps, looking after nature and complimenting it.

Centaurs (top right in pic) – also from Greek mythology, and known to be brutish and aggressive. A hybrid of man and horse rather than man and goat. But a similarity to the eye, especially with the holding of either a flame, a flute, or a broom.

Krampus (bottom left in pic) – a much darker and demonic representation than Pan and from Alpine folklore. Focusing more on children rather than nature and animals. Mentioned previously in Santa, A Christmas Industry, Krampus is there to punish naughty children during the holiday season. Being a sinister counterpart to santa.

Puck (bottom right in pic) – also known as hobgoblins, or strangely, Goodfellows. Considered as demons or fairies, they are also said to have been domestic sprites, helping with housework at night. Being prone to a merry little prank now and again. Similar to Brownies but with a mischievous streak, as many of the sprites, nymphs, and fairy folk do.

But for whatever reason, old stories, traditions, legends, and myths persist, remaining with us being retold and remembered. And maybe that’s because they are just good stories, or perhaps it is just so we don’t completely forget, what once was…

(c) MKW Publishing