Centaurs: Equine Depravity
The Centaurs were a race of beings that had the head and torso of a man and the body and legs of a horse. With a few notable exceptions, the race was brutal and savage. Centaurs enjoyed devouring raw flesh and were constantly on the hunt for it. Usually violent and looking for a fight, Centaurs represented savagery and uncivilized life. Caught between the human and animal world, their human side couldn't overcome their wild animal nature.
Two Centaurs — Pholus and Chiron — didn't fit this violent description. Both were highly respected, wise, and hospitable creatures who shunned violence. Chiron was entrusted with raising the heroes Jason and Achilles.
The most famous myth involving the Centaurs tells of their battle with the Lapithae, people who lived in Thessaly. Pirithous, the Lapith king, invited the Centaurs to his wedding. All went well until the Centaurs got drunk and began trying to rape the women, including the bride. A great fight broke out between the Centaurs and the Lapithae, with casualties on both sides. Eventually, the Lapithae drove out the Centaurs. Both the Iliad and the Odyssey refer to this fight, which was also a frequent subject in ancient Greek art.
