Images of Mythical Pan in Film
Hercules, Narnia, and Pan’s Labyrinth
Media depictions of the mythical creature Pan has illustrated the creature benevolently despite his sexually horrific past.
“I rave; and I rape and I rip and I rend
Everlasting world without end!
Mannikin, maiden, maenad, man,
In the might of Pan.”
– Hymns to Pan (1929) by Lead Satanist and Pan follower Aleister Crowley
Recent films are changing the historically mythical Pan’s notorious reputation. Disney’s Hercules (1997), Narnia (2005), and the film Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) depict a censored version of this Greek and Roman sex god. Pan appears benign, friendly, and in the latter film full of awe and mystery. The positive image of Pan is a definitive example of how the media powerfully encrypts and shapes perceptions of even the most offensive creature.
Who Is Pan?
Pan is a Greco/Roman fertility deity who is known for his unquenchable sex drive and fearful presence. Pan is usually represented as a satyr - a creature half-man and half-goat. The word ‘panic’ derives from his name. Worshipers would engage in wild parties ending violently by the tearing of live animals in a drunken ecstatic possession of Pan. Ancient Greek pots and sculptures usually depict Pan sexually aroused with erect phallus.
He carries a set of pipes (known as Panpipes). Myths state that he made these pipes out of the nymph Syrinx, who changed into a bed of reeds to avoid his passions. His sexual appetite is not limited to just unwilling maidens but children, men, and beasts.
Pan’s Behaviour
* Pan Pursuing Young Shepherd Boy
* Pan "Teaching" Young Boy to play the pipes
In recent films, Pan is depicted as a trustworthy friend and helper to children.
Hercules (1997)
Pan’s image is captured within a satyr named Philoctetes. Philoctetes, according to the Greek mythology, was a man not a satyr but Disney choose to represent him as a satyr. ‘Phil’ becomes the tutor for the young Hercules and teaches him how to become a hero. His coaching role is pivotal in Hercules’ attainment of immortality.
Pan’s lusty inclinations are either trivialized or accepted. He is shown chasing nymphs as they turn into a tree or bed of flowers. He gets smacked on occasion, but his behavior is never addressed. In fact, in the end he gets a passionate kiss from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
Narnia (2005)
Pan is depicted as a weepy Mr. Tumnus needing the coos and sooths of the little Lucy's reassurance. The constant wide eyed longing stares they share echo an innocent love felt friendship. In the end the couple holds hands in a picturesque 'romantic' scene. Disturbingly, the film portrays this naked thirty-something-year-old man emotionally crutched on a six-year-old girl as a positive triumph of friendship.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Originally ‘The Faun’s Labyrinth’
Pan appears more sinister and menacing in this 'R' rated adult fairytale as a primordial Pan composed of roots and earth. He calls himself ‘faun’ but this is no guise as the Roman god 'Faunus' is directly associated with the Greek Pan. The preteen Ofelia finds this Pan as her transcending link to her nether kingdom. He instructs her to complete three tasks in order to enter her kingdom. Ultimately, his instructions lead to Ofelia’s death. At the end, the viewer is not sure whether to clap at her supposed transcendence or weep that a young girl has a bullet in her stomach and blood bubbling out of her mouth. Triumph or not, Pan is misrepresented as a harmless yet severe instructor as in Hercules and a friend to innocence as in Narnia.
The media is a powerful tool - not an authority. Individuals should reconsider buying into media images before buying pan-like figurines.
