Sculpture of ipotane, unknown artist and time period
Ipotane
Origin: Ancient Greek mythology
Combination: human + horse
Classification: Mammal
Other Names: Hippotayne, Hippocentaur
Associations: wilderness, violence, warriors
The ipotane is a hybrid creature with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a human, essentially the reverse of a centaur. Ipotanes are often portrayed as peaceful and gentle creatures, living in harmony with nature. They are associated with the untamed wilderness and are said to possess exceptional knowledge of plants and herbal remedies. In some legends, ipotanes are known to be skilled healers, using their extensive understanding of nature to cure ailments and injuries. They are also sometimes depicted as companions to forest nymphs and satyrs, forming a community of woodland creatures. They are believed to be guardians of the forest, ensuring its preservation and protecting its inhabitants from harm.
Significant
Literary
Mentions
Classical
• Life of St Anthony the Great – Athanasius of Alexandria
• The myth of Achilles
Medieval
• La Divina Commedia (Inferno) – Dante Alighieri
• Listed in Medieval bestiaries
Modern
• Artemis Fowl – Eoin Colfer
• The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
• The Harry Potter series – J.K. Rowling