What is a Centaur?

Everyone has seen them, but what exactly are they?

I, myself am guilty of not knowing the basics about these mythological creatures. In fact, I didn't even know they're name up until this year. Like many, I recognized those half man, half horse looking things, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I look forward to sharing with you just what I have learned about these beings.

The Specifics:

• A centaur is being which is half human and half horse. It has the head, torso, and arms of a man, but also has the legs and body of a horse. The two are joined where the torso of the man ends and also where the neck of the horse would be.

How exactly does a Centaur come to be?

• Magically, of course! centaurs are a unification of a horse and it's rider. The best part is,  the strongest characteristics of each party are combined to create one powerful creature. Between the speed of a horse and the strength of a human, these things mean business. However, some myths tell us that back in the day not everyone was so crazy about centaurs. Rumor has it that they were oftentimes created as a means of punishment for soldiers. On the other hand, some stories also lead us to believe that many were created on purpose for battle. You be the judge.

Why wouldn't you like a centaur?

• Many times centaurs have been portrayed as the "beasts" of Dionysus, but why? There are a few reasons. First of all, they are known to be short tempered, violent creatures as well as being heavy drinkers. Those together can not be a good combination. More specifically, Nessus was a rather unpopular centaur of his time. Myths tell us that he was killed by Hercules for attempting to rape his wife. In general, lots of known Greek artwork involves depictions of feuding between humans and centaurs. Most centaurs are said to be good and to work against evil, but you can't help but wonder why they were so unpopular if they are really good.

Even Disney references to the duel of Nessus and Hercules. Heres a little clip I found depicting it but also poking fun at it at the same time...

Sources:

http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Centaur

http://www.cc.gatech.edu/aimosaic/students/centaur/compendium/history.html

http://www.santharia.com/bestiary/centaur.htm