Don't panic.

There is no need to, even if you are not aware of the interesting etymology of this common word.

Just keep on reading and everything will be fine.

“Panic” (in Italian “Panico”) comes from Latin “Panicus” from the Greek “Panikos”. The name derives from the legend of the Greek demi-god Pan.

Pan was the son of Hermes, half human, half animal; he was feared among travelers because  the legend says, he was used to hiding in the bushes waiting for his victims.

When travelers passed by, he would begin to shake the bushes, creating a sense of “panic” among them.

No reason to panic though : Plutarch, a Greek essayist (46 – 120 AC) wrote in “De Defectu Oraculorum” that Pan died long time ago.

Now that you know, travel relaxed (but stay away from bushes anyway..).

A presto.

Pier.