Storybook Research: Fauns

 I'm going to use this assignment to do some research on Fauns which will be what my next story in my storybook is about. Let's check out the half-human half-goat creatures and where this hybrid creature all started!

A Faun playing flute. Photo from Mythology.net

Here are some notes from a Britannica article: 

Originated from a Greek satyr. "The name faun is derived from Faunus, the name of an ancient Italic deity of forests, fields, and herds, who from the 2nd century BCE was associated with the Greek god Pan." 

Regarding Faunus in Greek Mythology: "...originally worshipped throughout the countryside as a bestower of fruitfulness on fields and flocks He eventually became primarily a woodland deity, the sounds of the forest being regarded as his voice."

Here are some notes from a Wizzley article:

This article displayed some old folklore that fauns are mentioned as well as more recent appearances of Faun in movies. 

"[Pan] is also the creator of the pan flute - an ancient musical instrument made from several pieces of reed or bamboo joined together"

"In Roman mythology, there was a horned god called Faunus and a goddess (either his sister or wife) called Fauna. The fauns were their followers."

"Generally, they are connected to nature, particularly the forest, and seem to be some kind of spirit that can be helpful to human beings, or a hindrance, unpredictably. Travelers were said to encounter them in lonely places, far from human habitation. Their tales tended to inspire fear." Need to find a source that backs up the unpredictability talked about here.

Here are some notes from Mythology.net: 

Clothing details: "they like to adorn themselves with crowns of leaves and berries from their woodland home, especially before one of their legendary parties"

About flute playing: "Hardly anyone can resist a Faun with a flute, and in truth, the power of their flutes has led some of them to act up, luring travelers into the forest, where they get lost or stealing the hearts of beautiful maidens away from the rest of the world"

*often confused with Satyr who are supposed to be less light-hearted and more destructive- more info in article

About character in Narnia: "Mr. Tumnus captures an age-old personality, acting both as an agent of mischief and as a kind-hearted guide for Lucy, the human girl who has captured his fancy."