The existence and preservation of satyric (or silenic) drama during the classical era is attributed to the audience's demand for the Dionysian dimension of dramatic poetry to remain alive, which gradually faded from tragedy with the evolution of the genre.

The presence of goat-shaped satyrs on stage served as a reference to Bacchic rituals and a tribute to Dionysus, within the framework of whose festivals the dramatic competitions were held annually.

The plot of the satyric drama "The Trackers" or "The Trackers Satyrs" refers to the theft of Apollo's cattle by the newborn Hermes and the efforts of the Trackers Satyrs to locate them, guided by their father Silenus.

Apart from the inherently comedic element derived from the cunning of the thieving god, we also have the explanatory function of the myth, as it explains the origin of the lyre, which Hermes crafted to mislead the Trackers with its sounds, and which Apollo later appropriated, making it an integral part of his image.

The light-hearted, playful style of "The Trackers," as well as the complete absence of tragic elements, leads to the conclusion that this is likely a youthful work of Sophocles.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]