Chiron (Kheiron) was the eldest and wisest of the Centaurs, a tribe of half-horse men. He was an immortal god, a son of the Titan Kronos (Cronus) and the nymph Philyra. While Kronos was coupling with Philyra his wife Rhea appeared so to escape notice he transformed himself into a horse, and in this way sired a half-equine son. Like the satyrs, centaurs were notorious for being wild and lusty, overly indulgent drinkers and carousers, given to violence when intoxicated, and generally uncultured delinquents. Chiron, by contrast, was intelligent, civilized and kind, but he was not related directly to the other centaurs. He was known for his knowledge and skill with medicine. A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, Chiron was said to be the first among centaurs and highly revered as a teacher and tutor.
