The Probert Encyclopaedia of Greek & Roman Mythology

SEMELE

In Greek mythology, Semele was a daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia. She was beloved by Zeus and bore him Dionysus by an immaculate conception. Hera, the wife of Zeus, was so consumed by jealousy that she persuaded Semele to ask Zeus to show himself to her in all his majesty. Zeus thereupon appeared as the god of thunder, and Semele was consumed by lightning, but Zeus saved her unborn child, Dionysus. Dionysus then later retrieved Semele from Hades and she became the goddess Thyone.
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