Introduction

The god known as Dionysus, or Bacchus for Romans, is known to be a symbol of many things including, "wine, parties, festivals, celebrations, madness, chaos, drunkenness and ecstasy," (TalesBeyondBelief). While the origins of his name are widely speculated, the most common guesses are that the first syllable, "dio, is associated with Zeus," and the second part is, "linked to Nysa, the mountain where the god was born and nursed," (Moutzouri). While most gods could be found on Mount Olympus, Dionysus had, "set out on a long, long journey, through all the countries of the world, teaching men everywhere how to plant and tend the grapevine, and how to press the juice from the ripe fruit, and make it into wine," (TalesBeyondBelief). In short, Dionysus could be seen anywhere with people.