Bacchus was a Greek and later Roman form of the Greek god Dionysus, and in this form was the god of wine and drunken happiness. He was the son of Jupiter and Semele, and was depicted in perennial youth, usually as a maiden, with a crown or vine or ivy leaves around his temples, and holding in his hand a spear bound with ivy. Tigers, lions or lynxes are yoked to his chariot, whilst he is accompanied by bacchanals, satyrs and his foster-father and preceptor Silenus.
He first taught the cultivation of the vine and the preparation of wine. To spread the knowledge of his invention he travelled over various countries and received in every quarter divine honours. Drawn by lions (some say panthers, tigers, or lynxes), he began his march, which resembled a triumphal procession. Those who opposed him were severely punished, but on those who received him hospitably he bestowed rewards. His love was shared by several; but Ariadne, whom he found deserted upon Naxos, alone was elevated to the dignity of a wife, and became a sharer of his immortality. Research Bacchus
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. Research Semele
Abbreviations
Research Grayling Butterfly
