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| '''Bacchus''' (also known as Dionysus and Liber), the |
'''Bacchus''' (also known as Dionysus and Liber), the Roman and Greek god of ], was the son of ] and ]. He represented not only the intoxicating power of wine, but its social and beneficent influences likewise; so he wasviewed as the promoter of civilization, and a lawgiver and lover of peace. | ||
Revision as of 08:50, 7 August 2002
Bacchus (also known as Dionysus and Liber), the Roman and Greek god of wine, was the son of Jupiter and Semele. He represented not only the intoxicating power of wine, but its social and beneficent influences likewise; so he wasviewed as the promoter of civilization, and a lawgiver and lover of peace.
The legend goes that Jove took the infant Bacchus and gave him in charge to the Nysaean nymphs, who nourished his infancy and childhood, and for
their care were rewarded by Jupiter by being placed, as the Hyades, among the stars. When Bacchus grew up he discovered the culture of the vine and the mode of extracting its precious juice; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth a wanderer through various parts of the earth. In Phrygia the
goddess Rhea cured him and taught him her religious rites, and he set out on a progress through Asia teaching the people the cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of his wanderings is his expedition to India, which is said to have lasted several years. Returning in triumph he undertook to introduce his
worship into Greece, but was opposed by some princes who dreaded
its introduction on account of the disorders and madness it
brought with it.