Satyrion

In Greek mythology, Satyrion is the name of a nymph, perhaps from the region of Taranto, Italy. Her union with the god Poseidon produced Taras.

Satyrions is a former name for orchids from their connection to satyrs. Orchis was the son of a satyr and a nymph, who was killed for insulting a priestess of Bacchus, and was turned into the flower that bears his name. It was believed that orchids were the food of the satyrs, and incited them to excesses.

Satyrion is also a name for ragwort and ancient aphrodisiac made from it. Though it may have been named after the nymph, it more likely derives from the mythical and lustful satyrs. This aphrodisiac is mentioned twice in the Satyricon of Petronius.


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