Editing Satyr (section)

===Indo-European===
[[File:Leshy (1906).jpg|thumb|According to [[M. L. West]], satyrs bear similarities to figures in other Indo-European mythologies, such as the Slavic ''[[leshy]]'' (pictured){{sfn|West|2007|pages=292–297, 302–303}} and some form of similar entity probably originated in [[Proto-Indo-European mythology]].{{sfn|West|2007|pages=302–303}}]]

According to classicist [[Martin Litchfield West]], satyrs and silenoi in Greek mythology are similar to a number of other entities appearing in other Indo-European mythologies,{{sfn|West|2007|pages=292–297, 302–303}} indicating that they probably go back, in some vague form, to [[Proto-Indo-European mythology]].{{sfn|West|2007|pages=302–303}} Like satyrs, these other Indo-European nature spirits are often human-animal hybrids, frequently bearing specifically equine or asinine features.{{sfn|West|2007|pages=292–294}} Human-animal hybrids known as [[Kinnara kingdom|Kiṃpuruṣas]] or Kiṃnaras are mentioned in the {{transliteration|sa|[[Ramayana|Rāmāyaṇa]]}}, an Indian epic poem written in [[Sanskrit]].{{sfn|West|2007|pages=292–293}} According to [[Augustine of Hippo]] (354–430 AD) and others, the ancient Celts believed in ''[[Dusios|dusii]]'', which were hairy demons believed to occasionally take human form and seduce mortal women.{{sfn|West|2007|pages=292–294}} Later figures in Celtic folklore, including the Irish {{lang|ga|bocánach}}, the Scottish {{lang|gd|[[Brownie (folklore)#Ùruisg|ùruisg]]}} and {{lang|gd|[[glaistig]]}}, and the [[Manx language|Manx]] {{lang|gv|goayr heddagh}}, are part human and part goat.{{sfn|West|2007|page=294}} The lexicographer [[Hesychius of Alexandria]] (fifth or sixth century AD) records that the [[Illyrians]] believed in satyr-like creatures called ''Deuadai''.{{sfn|West|2007|pages=293–294}} The Slavic ''[[leshy]]'' also bears similarities to satyrs, since he is described as being covered in hair and having "goat's horns, ears, feet, and long clawlike fingernails."{{sfn|West|2007|page=294}}

Like satyrs, these similar creatures in other Indo-European mythologies are often also tricksters, mischief-makers, and dancers.{{sfn|West|2007|pages=294–295}} The ''leshy'' was believed to trick travelers into losing their way.{{sfn|West|2007|page=294}} The [[Armenia]]n Pay(n) were a group of male spirits said to dance in the woods.{{sfn|West|2007|page=295}} In Germanic mythology, [[Elf|elves]] were also said to dance in woodland clearings and leave behind [[fairy ring]]s.{{sfn|West|2007|page=295}} They were also thought to play pranks, steal horses, [[Fairy-lock|tie knots in people's hair]], and steal children and replace them with [[changeling]]s.{{sfn|West|2007|page=295}} West notes that satyrs, elves, and other nature spirits of this variety are a "motley crew" and that it is difficult to reconstruct a prototype behind them.{{sfn|West|2007|page=303}} Nonetheless, he concludes that "we can recognize recurrent traits" and that they can probably be traced back to the Proto-Indo-Europeans in some form.{{sfn|West|2007|page=303}}