Centaurs - More than a Myth?

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Have you ever come across centaurs in books or movies? Are they just fictional creatures, a myth, or did they really exist?

Centaurs are mythical creatures from the myths of the ancient world. They have a human's upper body and a horse's legs. Despite their size, they are highly intelligent and civilized and are known for their gifts in warfare, stargazing, and healing. However, they are also violent and drunken creatures.


They are intelligent, civilized, and kind

Centaurs were once considered very intelligent, civilized, and kind animals. These animals are capable of surviving in most biomes. Centaurs are also well-known for being wild. They are often depicted as violent when drunk. In reality, there are few examples of centaurs who were civilized, intelligent, and kind.

Greek mythology describes centaurs as being part horse and part human. Chiron is considered a superior centaur who taught many famous Greek heroes. Centaurs are also depicted in Salvador Dali's illustrations of Dante's Divine Comedy. Chiron is one of the most important figures in Greek mythology and has inspired many famous works.

Several hundred Centaurs are named in mythology. While most centaurs were wild, violent, and uncultured, the king of centaurs was a wise, civilized, and kind individual. According to myth, Chiron was the son of the Titan Cronus and Oceanid Philyra and lived on Mount Pelion. Chiron married the nymph Chariclo, who bore him three daughters and one son, Carystus.


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They are gifted at stargazing, prophecy, healing, and warfare

Centaurs are described in many classical texts as being wise, noble, and gifted at many things. Athanasius of Alexandria tells the story of a centaur in the Life of St. Anthony the Great.

Centaurs are highly intelligent and powerful beings who are adept at war and healing. They are often found in tactician and advisory roles in armies and noble courts. Their stats are similar to Fey, but the Centaurs' skills are more diverse than those of their Fey counterparts.

Asclepius was a pupil of Chiron, the god of medicine. He studied the natural world and sought out herbs that the other gods did not know. He subsequently developed the first medicines and taught them to people. He also formed a close bond with his foster father, Heracles. As a result, Heracles was spared the wrath of Hera.


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They are violent creatures known for their drunken behavior

Centaurs are creatures with a complicated history. Their wild behaviour was often depicted in Greek art and literature. In many of these works, centaurs battle with Lapiths, the god of wine. In other words, centaurs were used as symbols of the animal nature of man. Greek mythology portrays centaurs as unruly, drunken, and barbarian creatures. But in more modern times, the centaurs are often portrayed in a more positive light.

Centaurs were notorious for their violent behaviour. One legend says that Lapiths once invited the centaurs to their wedding, but the centaurs were too drunk to handle the wine. They tried to abduct the bride and the bridegroom, and the event led to a bloody battle. Many centaurs were killed during this battle.

In Greek art, centaurs often appear in conflict with humans, implying that they are the opposite of civilized men. One of the most famous metopes on the Parthenon depicts a man and a centaur fighting. It is notable that the man is standing on the centaur's left flank, with the end of his spear preserved in the centaur's left flank.


Origin Story

The origins of the centaurs can be traced to Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, the centaurs are the descendants of Ixion, a son of Ares and a wicked king. He murdered his father and was imprisoned in the pit of Tartarus. Zeus punished Ixion for his actions and substituted a cloud/nymph, Nephele, for him. Nephele bore Ixion a monstrous child, known as Kentaurus, who mated with a horse. Ultimately, this mismatch resulted in the creation of the centaur.

Centaurs were also noted followers of Dionysus in ancient Greece. They were boisterous creatures who were ruled by their bestial half. This implied that they were sexually promiscuous and would often abuse their partners. The myths surrounding centaurs have many similarities to those of the Titans.


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(Edited)

I like reading about these kind of mystical creatures, unfortuantely, I don’t do it very often. First time I heard centaur was in I think the movie The Chronicles of Narnia. But in there, they weren’t these powerful, wise creatures you describe. They were just some pawns in some witches war against some kids. I’m sure you’ve seen Narnia so I don’t really have to explain it haha.

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Yes. I think Chronicles of Narnia or Hercules was the first place I came across Centaurs too. I think they are portrayed quiet differently on the screens though.

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Wait…they were centaure in Hercules? I think I’m going to have to rewatch. Might’ve missed them. Or maybe I’ve forgotten the story all together.

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