In Greek mythology, Silenus was an satyr, one of the primitive woodland spirits who were the companions of the god Dionysus. Of the older satyrs, usually termed sileni, one in particular, considered the son of Hermes or of Pan, and a nymph, was the tutor and guardian of Dionysus, accompanying him on his travels. Silenus was once afforded hospitality by King Midas, who received from the grateful Dionysus the gift of the golden touch". When caught in a drunken sleep, Silenus could be compelled, like the sea god Proteus, to prophesy the future. In art he was represented as a little old man, bald, huge of paunch, and in a state of jovial intoxication.
