Silvanus (mythology)

Silvanus ("of the woods") was a Roman tutelary spirit of woods, a genius loci that was apparently inherited from the Etruscan Selvans. In Cato's De Agricultura an offering to Mars Silvanus is described, to insure the health of cattle.

Related Topics:
Genius loci - Etruscan - Cato

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There is no apparent connection to the Greek Silenus, the bibulous companion of satyrs in the retinue of Dionysus.

Related Topics:
Silenus - Satyr - Dionysus

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