silenus

Home > ... > Literature and the Arts > Classical Literature, Mythology, and Folklore > Folklore and Mythology > ...

Essential reading Compare
side-by-side The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition

silenus

silenus , in Greek mythology, part bestial and part human creature of the forests and mountains. Part of Dionysus' entourage, the sileni are usually represented as aged satyrs—drunken, jolly, bald, fat, bearded, and possessing horse ears. According to some myths they were prophets; but according to others they were so perpetually stupefied with drink that they were unable to distinguish truth from falsehood. In some legends only one such creature appears, Silenus, described as the oldest of the satyrs, the son of Hermes or Pan. He was the companion, adviser, or tutor of Dionysus.

Create a link to this page

Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:

<a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/.aspx#1E1-silenus" title="Facts and information about silenus">silenus</a>

Give this article a thumbs-up on StumbleUpon

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"silenus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 25 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"silenus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (November 25, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-silenus.html

"silenus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-silenus.html

Learn more about citation styles

Silenus

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Silenus in Greek mythology, an aged woodland deity, one of the sileni, who was entrusted with the education of Dionysus. He is depicted either as dignified and musical, or as an old drunkard. In general use, a silenus denotes a woodland spirit, usually depicted in art as old and having ears like those of a horse, similar to the satyrs.

Create a link to this page

Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:

<a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/.aspx#1O214-Silenus" title="Facts and information about silenus">silenus</a>

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Silenus." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 25 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Silenus." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (November 25, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Silenus.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Silenus." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Silenus.html

Learn more about citation styles

Related entries from encyclopedias, dictionaries and thesauruses

Rate these entries|See all related entries

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Distribution and biology of prowfish (Zaprora silenus) in the northeast Pacific. Magazine article from: Fishery Bulletin; 1/1/2004
	VAN DYCK BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS.(Anthony van Dyck) Magazine article from: Contemporary Review; 12/1/1999
	Titian at the National Gallery. Magazine article from: Contemporary Review; 5/1/2003

Facts and information from other sites

Related articles from newspapers, magazines, and more

	IBSS & Silenus Group Forge Strategic OEM Agreement. PR Newswire; 8/20/2001; 700+ words ; Silenus Group Integrates IBSS Synapse Technology for Manufacturers...chain, today announced a strategic OEM agreement with Silenus Group. According to the terms of the agreement, Silenus Group will use IBSS' Synapse technology to create Silenus...
	IBSS Signs Reseller Agreement With Detroit-based Silenus Group. PR Newswire; 1/10/2001; 700+ words ; ...IBSS") today announced Detroit-based Silenus Group has partnered with the company through...Development and Manufacturing Center. Silenus Group provides technology and systems...systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Silenus Group extends their offerings, with IBSS...
	Utopia: With Erasmus's "The Sileni of Alcibiades".(Review) Magazine article from: Utopian Studies; 3/22/1999; ; 700+ words ; ...Hence his choice of "The Sileni of Alcibiades," a particularly...and the apostles are all "Sileni": homely, humble, and unworldly...like the original statues of Silenus, but transformed by the divine...Erasmus calls the "inside-out Sileni" (175), preferring "the...
	Executive Briefing: Silenus Sold to Amrad Newspaper article from: Instrument Business Outlook; 8/31/1996; 542 words ; Silenus Sold to Amrad, Australian Ally of Pharmacia...that Amrad Pharmaceuticals has acquired Silenus, an immuno-diagnostic reagent and kit...from ICI Australia. ICI says the sale of Silenus Laboratories to Amrad Operations, which...
	Distribution and biology of prowfish (Zaprora silenus) in the northeast Pacific. Magazine article from: Fishery Bulletin; 1/1/2004; ; 700+ words ; Abstract--The prowfish (Zaprora silenus) is an infrequent component of bottom trawl catches collected...Current taxonomy distinguishes the prowfish (Zaprora silenus, Fig. 1) as the only species and the only genus of the family...
	ICI sells its Australian diagnostics business, Silenus Laboratories Newspaper article from: The Independent - London; 7/30/1996; 252 words ; ICI is selling its Australian diagnostics business, Silenus Laboratories, for an undisclosed sum to Amrad Operations. A spokeswoman for ICI said the sale would enable Silenus to prosper as part of a larger Australian biotechnology business and...
	Shakespeare's Dionysian prince: drama, politics, and the "Athenian" history play.(Renaissance English dramatist; King Henry V) Magazine article from: Renaissance Quarterly; 6/22/1999; ; 700+ words ; ...our imaginations . . . what Bacchus or Silenus did for the ancients," temporarily freeing...between the mythic figures of Bacchus and Silenus, whom Wilson's phrase treats synonymously...of the history plays. Falstaff is his Silenus, the fat, old, drunken companion who...
	Coming up roses life after the (first) company. (Lead Feature). Magazine article from: NZ Business; 10/1/2002; ; 700+ words ; ...winery," says Avery. Five years on Sileni Estate, a massive 150-hectare vineyard...Besides creating and exporting fine wine Sileni Estate is fostering a culinary image by...and wine reference library. As well as Sileni Estate Avery is the principal owner of...
	Perfect in pink Newspaper article from: The Press; 11/16/2000; ; 700+ words ; WINE OF THE WEEK 2000 Sileni Estates Rose $20-$21. The first rose from the newish Sileni Estate in Hawke's Bay is an extremely versatile...lunch. Available at fine wine stores or through Sileni Estates and Vinotica, phone (09) 415-7520...
	The total experience Newspaper article from: The Press; 8/17/2000; ; 674 words ; ...Food and wine are the twin stars at Sileni Estates, the 106- hectare vineyard and...dramatic estate building also houses the Sileni Epicurean Centre and Cellar, which includes...with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, Sileni is planted in classic bordeaux and burgundy...