Aims: To synthesise the history, etymology and function of the tragus as well as presenting its embryologic and anatomical features Methodology: A literature review on the history, etymology, anatomy and function of the tragus Results: The word “Tragus” comes from the Greek trágos (“he-goat”), referring to the tuft of hairs resembling a goat’s beard. This is attested in ancient writings. The tragus is a very precious anatomical structure with many roles but is not often talked about/acknowledged or sometimes even under-appreciated. It arises from the first pharyngeal arch and forms during weeks 5-8 of embryological development. It has a role as an anatomical landmark (tragal pointer) to help locate the facial nerve, acoustic role in sound collection and localisation, tragal pumping (after insertion of ear drops), as part of a clinical test (fistula test), as a surgical graft material (eg.tympanoplasty), helps in holding a hearing aid in place, protecting the external auditory canal (EAC), ear sealing by pushing the tragus inwards with a finger to temporarily occlude the EAC such as when there is a sudden loud noise, as well as being used as an access site for auricular vagus neuromodulation to help in cardiovascular disease. There has been no comprehensive literature review on the tragus published to date. Conclusion: The tragus is multi-functional, hence making it invaluable and clinically indispensable. It crucial that we have a good understanding of it. Boyd NH, Gottschall JA. Assessing the efficacy of tragal pumping: a randomized controlled trial. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Jun;144(6):891-3. doi: 10.1177/0194599811399711. Epub 2011 Feb 18. PMID: 21493326. Jiang Y, Po SS, Amil F, Dasari TW. Non-invasive Low-level Tragus Stimulation in Cardiovascular Diseases. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev. 2020 Jun 3;9(1):40-46. doi: 10.15420/aer.2020.01. PMID: 32637119; PMCID: PMC7330730.