Pan is the son of Zeus,
(or Hermes or Dionysus);
his mother a nymph
(or sometimes Dryope?).
In fact,
his parentage is so unclear
some historians consider him Pre-Olympian.
Because of his effect on people
Pan’s qualities appear to be more nature spirit
(or elemental).
As an entity,
he inspires panic,
sexual arousal
or in the higher form:
musical ecstasy.

The Amulet of Pan

Syrinx was a exquisite water-nymph of Arcadia,
daughter of Landon,
the river-god.
As she was returning from the hunt one day,
Pan met her.
In fear of his amorous interest
the fair nymph ran away.
Pan pursued her until she caught up with her sisters
who immediately changed her into a reed.
In his search for her
Pan noticed the air blowing through the reeds
produced a melancholic melody.
The god,
still infatuated,
took a handful because he did not know which reed she became,
and cut seven pieces
forming a musical instrument.
Pan has carried her with him ever since.

Contrary to Plutarch,
Pan is not dead.
In Jitterbug Perfume:
Tom Robbins describes the continued life
of Pan and his exploits
as he sailed to the New World
and lived in America….
but that is another story.

In creating an Amulet of Pan,
I chose his musical aspect.
The Pan amulet is not a simply relief;
it is a 3D sculpture from his waist up,
framed in grape leaves playing his pan pipe.

An amulet to inspire a Panorama:
good music,
good wine
and a celebration
of life itself.

To see more Gods and goddesses , please visit my Mythicals Page