PAN


Meaning of PAN in English

n.

Greek fertility deity with a half-human, half-animal form.

The Romans associated him with Faunus . Pan was usually said to be the son of Hermes . He was often represented as a vigorous and lustful figure with the horns, legs, and ears of a goat; in later art his human parts were more emphasized. Some Christian depictions of the Devil bear a striking resemblance to Pan. Pan haunted the high hills, where he was chiefly concerned with flocks and herds. Like a shepherd, Pan was a piper, and he rested at noon. He could inspire irrational terror in humans, and the word panic comes from his name.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.