Origin Myths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are many origin myths surrounding centaurs; one is that Centaurus, the offspring of King Ixion, mated with the cloud nymph, Nephele whom a jealous Zeus created in the likeness of Hera. They spawned centaurs and left them on Mount Pelion where the daughters of the immortal centaur Chiron nursed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Centaurs and Dionysus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Centaurs were followers of Dionysus<\/a>, the God of Wine and were thus known for being savage, rowdy and boisterous. Often they were portrayed as being governed by their bestial half. They were invited to attend the wedding of their half-brother Pirithous, King of Lapith and became severely drunk during the festivities. They attempted to carry off the bride and the other female guests. The hero Theseus<\/a> happened to be present at the wedding and aided Pirithous; a battle broke out, and most of the centaurs were killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centaurs were creatures that represented chaos and barbarism, their likeness and proclivity for trouble were frequently described in Greek sculpture, myths, stories and pottery. While boasting a bestial and lustful reputation, some centaurs only acted in such a way under the effects of wine and alcohol; which may have served as a cautionary tale to the ancient Greeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most well know and considered the most civilised centaur was Chiron<\/a>, who was incredibly wise and a tutor and advisor to heroes like Hercules, Achilles and Jason. Unfortunately, he was only a minor character in Greek mythology, so though mentioned often very little is know about him. He was the son of Philyra and the Titan god, Cronus<\/a> and he married the nymph Chariklo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiron resided in the forests of Mt. Pelion. He was responsible for Achilles adolescent education. Achilles<\/a> was also gifted a formidable Pelian ash spear from his tutor which he used during the Trojan war<\/a>. Chiron was known for not indulging in drinking, having superior knowledge to his brethren and having a different lineage than the other centaurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centaurs permeate Greek myths and can be found throughout epic sagas and Greek stories. In one instance a tribe dwelling in the western Peloponnese came into conflict with the hero Hercules; where the centaur Pholos hosted Hercules<\/a> while he was hunting for the giant boar, one of his required labours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Attracted by the smell of the wine Pholos and Hercules were drinking, other centaurs interrupted the festivities. Eventually, spurred on by intoxication they attacked Hercules. In the mayhem, Hercules accidentally poisoned Chiron with a poisoned arrow. Pholos was then killed after accidentally dropping one on his foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is yet another tale of the centaurs\u2019 overindulgence and the repercussions of wine. While immortal the poison caused Chiron terrible pain and when Hercules asked for the freedom of Prometheus<\/a> from Zeus<\/a> he had to make a trade. Chiron volunteered in Prometheus\u2019s place and died free from the pain he endured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centaurs were a favourite beast portrayed in Greek mythology often as barbarians and uncivilised or like Chiron and Pholos who were famous characters and teachers in the legends of the Greek\u2019s favourite heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRepresentation in Greek Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Wise Centaur: Chiron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chiron-centaurs\n\"](\"https:\/\/greekgodsandgoddesses.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/chiron.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCentaurs in Epic Sagas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chiron’s Sacrifice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Centaurs in Greek Legends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n