According to Roman mythology the god of the forest (lat. Silva = forest) and under the name Silvanus Litoralis god of the sea coasts was considered the patron of the shepherds. His father is called Faunus or Saturnus. Mostly he is depicted similar to the Satyrs with a half goat-shaped body, a lily-wreathed head and a cypress. However, there are also other representations with a vine knife or sickle at a burning altar, accompanied by a dog and with pine cones. The Celtic god Sucellus was equated with him. See also under wine gods and wine saints.
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