DIONYSOS, GOD OF WINE and ENTERTAINMENT

Following information is found in mythology about Dionysos, the other name of whom is Baccus;

Dionysos is the last of the gods coming to Olympus. Dionysos is a god who came to Greek mythology from outside. He was identified with Liber Pater, the ancient Italic god in Rome, but actually he is the god of vineyard, wine and mystic entertainment of the classis age.

“Semele, the daughter of Kodmos and Harnonia, is one of the women with whom Zeus fell in love. Hera’s never-ending jealousy pushes the poor Semele into an unexpected destiny. Disguising herself as an old wet nurse, Hera says to Semele: “Plead Zeus, so he will show himself with all his magnificence as a god”. Taken in by this, Semele wishes such a thing from Zeus. Zeus shows himself with lightning and Semele burns. She miscarries her seven-month old child. That child is Baccus, that is Dionysos whose father is Zeus. Zeus puts Dionysos, who was miscarried by Semele and protected by a thick-leaf ivy which sprouted there miraculously from burning, onto his thigh and gives birth to him with a second birth. Zeus hardly saves his son from jealous Hera and has no chance but to turn him into a goat. Hermes takes Dionysos to the nymphs on the mountain Nysa of which location is not known by many. These nymphs bring Dionysos up and educate him. Among educators is also Silenos. Dionysos finds grape and creates wine art when he becomes a youth. Thanks to this, he presents Wine and Entertainment to the people and the other gods.”