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Human-figured demons in Greek mythology in comparison with those of animal-figured gods of eastern peoples

• Καρνέζης, Ιωάννης, Η.

In this article we compare the difference between the monsters (i. e., an unusual animal, or combination of animals) and the demonic figures of Greek mythology mith those of ancient eastern people, especially Egyptians. Contrary to the monsters, demons were imaginary figures consisting of a combined body, half human and half animal ; their heads and torsos were human, while their lower bodies were zoomorphic ; they were not gods. We obtain this comparison by citing and examining briefly the most representative demonic figures [e. g. Gorgo, Echidna, Typhon, Erinyes, Graiai, Argos, Harpyiai, Seirenes, water - demons (Acheloos, Nereus, Proteus, Triton, Glaukos), Boreas, Sphinx, Kentauroi, Kekrops, Satyroi, Silenoi and Minotaurus] with the Egyptian ones (cf. a list on p. 258, n. 69). Minotaurus is the only exception; it has a human body and a head of an animal (bull), evidently an eastern influence. In conclusion, contrary to the eastern pattern the Greeks always considered the human head a main feature of every superhuman, demonic, or demi-god figure ; this tendency generally governs Greek thought, religion and art.

• Languages and Literature

• Classical philology