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The Centauromachy is a famous fight in Greek mythology between the Lapiths and centaurs, representing civilization triumphing over perceived barbarism. Centaurs were seen as uncivilized and barbaric, and the legend implies a celebration of victory over barbarian cultures. Centauromachy is depicted in Greek artworks and has inspired artists from other cultures. Some historians theorize that centaur legends may have arisen from exposure to cultures using horses.
A centauromachy is a fight involving centaurs, although many people are specifically referring to the centauromachy, a famous fight featured in Greek mythology, when they use this word. The Centauromachy legend is one of many myths in which the theme of civilization triumphing over perceived barbarism is celebrated. This theme is not uncommon in Greek mythology, possibly because the ancient Greeks viewed their culture as the pinnacle of civilization.
Greek legends about the origins of the centaurs vary, with at least three different groups of mythological figures being credited with the parentage of the centaurs. However centaurs originated, in Greek mythology, they are described as barbarians and uncivilized. According to legend, these Thessalians came into conflict with the Greeks when they showed up uninvited at the wedding of Hippodamia and Pirithous, the king of the Lapiths.
The centaurs were overwhelmed by the strong wine served at the wedding and attempted to kidnap Hippodamia, together with the other Lapitian women. Lapith’s men, of course, were unaware of this and took up arms against the centaurs, assisted by the Greek hero Theseus, who happened to be present at the festivities. Theseus joined the Lapiths, helping them defeat and repel the centaurs. This legend implies a celebration, praising the victory of civilizing influences over barbarian cultures.
Centauromachy is depicted in a number of Greek artworks, including the Elgin Marbles that once adorned the Parthenon and a number of Greek vases. The Centauromachy myth also proved attractive to artists from other cultures, who created their own versions in paintings and sculptures. Examples of many other themes from classical art and mythology can be found in European art from many eras in history, demonstrating the deep interest in Ancient Greece that consumed many European artists.
Centaurs are often depicted as wild, ferocious and untamed in stories that borrow from these mythological figures, although JK Rowling has made the centaurs in the Harry Potter novels wise and ferocious. Some historians theorize that centaur legends may have arisen from exposure to cultures using horses. To the non-mounted Greeks, men and women on horseback could appear to be mythical monsters. These cultures were considered barbaric and savage, with this idea reinforced by legends such as the story of the Centauromachy.
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