silenus
9.9
A mythical old man who lives in woods and often appears drunk with a horse's tail
- noun
- /ˈsɪlɪnəs/
- Literature
:
sileno
- The festival celebrated the role of the silenus, inviting guests to dress as the old woodland god.
Examples
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Legend has it that a silenus lived in the forest and would often lead the nymphs in merry dances.
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His club's called "silenus."
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In Greek mythology, a silenus is traditionally known as a companion of Dionysus, often portrayed as a jovial old man.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Silenus comes from Greek myth and names a woodland god who is often shown as an old, drunk companion of Dionysus. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a silenus as a 'wild old friend' — a rough, funny but wise figure who lives in the woods and sometimes gives advice.
