Dionysus (Bacchus)
Dionysus (Bacchus) was the son of Zeus and Semele, daughter of Cadmus of
Thebes. By the orders of Zeus the child was intrusted to Hermes, to be
taken to Nysa, a majestic island with clear flowing streams and ever
green meadows. The fruit-bearing trees are covered with vine clusters
and the ocean breezes temper the sun's heat. In the midst of this island
is a beautiful valley. The tops of the trees are so closely interwoven
that neither a sun ray nor a drop of rain can penetrate them. There is a
cavern there, whose rocky arches gleam with variegated colors. Upon
either side are lofty trees, some in continual blossom, others loaded
with spicy fruit. Brilliantly plumaged birds nest in the trees and their
songs are wonderfully melodious. Flowers grow beneath the trees, filling
the air with perennial perfume. There are also resting places for the
nymphs there; not made by men, but fashioned by nature. One never sees a
withered flower there, nor a dry leaf, nor a trace of decay.
Hermes took the child there to be brought up by the nymphs. The boy,
named Dionysus (Bacchus), grew rapidly and travelled over various
countries to teach men vine growing. He went to Egypt and Syria and
received from Rhea, mother of Zeus, his India coat, variegated deerskin,
and thyrsus. He next passed through the golden vales of Lydia, the sunny
plains of Phrygia and Persia, and the rough country of Media. He visited
Arabia the blest and nearly all Asia paid him reverence. He rode in a
gold-gleaming chariot, drawn by leopards. A multitude of cupids, nymphs,
fauns, and satyrs followed him. The old and continually drunken Silenus
also belonged to his retinue, which accompanied its pæans with the clash
of cymbals and the music of Phrygian flutes.
Once it happened that Silenus fell asleep in a wood and was left behind.
Some Lydian peasants found the old man and carried him upon a litter of
branches to their king, Midas, at whose palace Bacchus later arrived.
Finding that Silenus had been hospitably entertained, Bacchus assured
Midas that any wish of his should be granted. Midas requested that
whatever he touched might turn to gold. The request was granted, but
Midas soon found that his wish would prove fatal, for not only water and
wine, but fruit and all kinds of food, turned to gold when he touched
them. Repenting his folly, he implored Bacchus to recall the gift.
Taking pity upon him, Bacchus ordered him to bathe in the river
Pactolus, having done which, he was soon relieved. From that time the
sands of that river became gold.
Dionysus next came to the country of Edoni, free passage through which
had been promised him by Lycurgus, its prince. When he encamped in the
woods with his train he was suddenly attacked by the treacherous prince.
He placed himself under the protection of the sea goddess, Thetis, but
he and his retinue were taken prisoners and fettered. The punishment of
this misdeed came quickly. Lycurgus was seized by an incurable madness,
and thinking his own son was a vine he cut off his hands and feet with
an axe. But when he saw the bleeding body lying upon the earth he
realized what he had done and released Bacchus. But retribution was not
yet complete. The earth bore nothing for his people a whole year long.
The Edonians in despair consulted the oracle, which announced that full
compensation could be rendered only by the death of the king. He was
seized and taken to the mountain of Pangaeus where he was torn to pieces
by wild horses.
Bacchus next went to Thebes, the city of his birth. The palace was in
ashes and his mother had perished in it, struck down by Zeus'
thunderbolts. The gray Cadmus was still living, but no longer ruled the
city. Pentheus was its prince and to him came the blind seer Tiresias
announcing the approach of Bacchus. He was enraged at the words of the
seer and rebuked the Thebans when he saw them arraying themselves to
meet him. "Is it possible," he exclaimed, "that you have forgotten your
origin? Your fathers were heroes and you would bow before a boy who
smears his tresses with balsams, wears a wreath of vine leaves in place
of a helmet, and a purple cloak in place of armor?"
Thereupon he despatched his servants with orders to seize Bacchus and
bind him. His friends were alarmed when they heard this order. Their
entreaties were useless; he only adhered more firmly to his purpose. It
was not long before the servants returned, bringing Bacchus in fetters.
Pentheus said to his people jubilantly: "Now, you know what fools you
were," and ordered Bacchus to be imprisoned. Then he sent his servants
to arrest the whole train, when something wonderful occurred. The earth
shook, flames played about the columns of the palace, and Bacchus rose
in majesty from his prison. The king was terrified and tried to escape.
But he could not avoid his punishment. He was suddenly seized with a
longing to witness the revels of Bacchus' followers. Bacchus ordered
that he should appear to them as a wild animal. With fearful cries the
Bacchantes rushed upon him and killed him.
From Thebes Bacchus went to Argos, and from thence he decided to cross
over to Naxos, and made his arrangements with some sea robbers. Not
knowing him, they decided to sell him as a slave and pass by Naxos.
Suddenly they beheld a stream of wine flowing over the deck and filling
the whole vessel with its perfume. Red clusters of grapes hung from the
sails. Wreaths of flowers and fruits extended up the mast to the
pennant. The crew were overcome with astonishment. "A divinity directs
the ship," cried the most sensible of them; "let us sail to Naxos." But
it was too late. Bacchus suddenly stood on the deck in the form of a
lion, seized the leader of the pirates, and tore him to pieces. When the
others saw his fate, they sprang into the sea and were changed to
dolphins. Thus Bacchus punished their misdeeds. After founding many
temples he took his mother Semele to Olympus.