Pan was god of the woods and fields, flocks and shepherds, and his
favorite residence was Arcadia. He was fond of music and led the dances
of the Hours and Graces.
The story goes that a coy nymph whom he loved and endeavored to gain
was changed into a reed which he cut and fashioned into the Syrinx or
Pan’s pipe. With this he charmed trees and flowers as well as men and
animals.
“Mad with love, and laden
With immortal pain,
Pan pursued a maiden--
Pan, the god, in vain.
For when Pan had nearly
Touched her wild to plead,
She was gone--and clearly
In her place a reed!
Long the God unwilling
Through the valley strayed,
Then at last submitting,
Cut the reed and made,
Deftly fashioned seven
Pipes, and poured his pain
Unto earth and heaven
In a piercing strain.”
--_Archibald Lampman._
Although Pan had a pleasant, cheerful face, he was curiously formed,
having a man’s body and a goat’s legs and feet. He was supposed to
delight in inspiring people with sudden and unfounded fears--hence the
word _panic_.