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In Greek mythology, Silenus was a minor woodland deity and a companion of the god Dionysus. Initially, Sileni were depicted as uncouth men with a horse's tail and ears, and sometimes an erect phallus. Later, they were represented with goat-like legs and tails. The name Silenus also came to refer to Dionysus's foster father, which helped integrate these creatures into the Dionysiac cult.12

While often portrayed as bibulous, like the satyrs in satyr plays, Silenus was also known in legends as a source of wisdom.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. silenus
  2. Satyr and Silenus

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