MARSAYAS
Greek Mythology
Roman Mythology
This is the name of a being closely related to the SATYRS in the classical mythology of Rome and Greece. MARSAYAS was originally a PHRYGIAN demon adopted and transformed to a status similar to that of SILENUS after the occupation of their land by the Greeks. The story of MARSAYAS tells how he found the discarded AULOS, a type of flute, invented by ATHENA, and learned how to play it so well that he challenged the god APOLLO to a musical contest. The winner would do what whatever he wanted to the loser. MARSAYAS lost and for his presumption was flayed alive, his flowing blood forming a river that now takes his name.
Source: Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth