The mythical creature that is half man and half horse is called a centaur. In Greek mythology, centaurs are often depicted as wild and unruly beings, embodying both human intelligence and animalistic instincts. They typically have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. Centaurs were known to inhabit forests and mountains and often symbolize the duality of civilization versus barbarism. Famous centaurs, like Chiron, are portrayed as wise and noble, contrasting with the more savage centaur depicted in various myths. They serve as important figures in many ancient stories, representing harmony and conflict between man and nature.