In Greek mythology, a centaur is a creature that is half-man and half-horse. Typically depicted with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse, centaurs embody the duality of civilization and primal instinct. They are often portrayed as wild and unruly beings, though some, like Chiron, are wise and skilled in arts such as medicine and music. This dichotomy reflects a broader theme in mythology, examining the tension between the civilized and the untamed aspects of human nature.