Pan. One of the most singular of the inferior gods was Pan, whose worship was universally regarded. He was the god of shepherds and herdsmen, of groves and fields, and whatever pertained to rural affairs. His worship was probably derived from the Egyptians. He was said to be the son of Mercury and Dryope. His favorite residence was in the woods and mountains of Arcadia. From his love to Syrinx, who was changed into a reed, he formed his shepherd-pipe out of seven reeds, and called it by her name. His pride in this invention led him into his unlucky contest with Apollo. Pan was originally, among the Egyptians, worshiped in the form of a goat, and under the name of Mendes. In Greece, Arcadia was especially sacred to him, and here he is said to have given oracles on Mount Lycraus. His festivals were introduced by Evander among the Romans, and by them called Lupercalia. Goats, honey, and milk were the usual offerings to Pan. Pan, like other gods, who dwelt in forests was dreaded by travelers, to whom he sometimes appeared, and whom he startled with sudden awe or terror. Hence sudden fright, without any visible cause, was ascribed to Pan, and was called a panic fear.
