3 Cultural Connections

Dionysus appears in several cultural pieces throughout history. He is apart of the book The Birth of Tragedy. He stars as himself and shows his powers as the god of wine. This book was published in 1872 by Nietzsche, who lived in Germany. Dionysus also appears in a painting named "Bacchus," painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. In the painting he models a hairpiece with grapes and vines wrapped around his head. The painting is suppose to represent a comedic element where Dionysus stars as a half-drunken teenager posing for a painting. The last cultural connection is when Dionysus stars in a 1960 film by Brian De Palma. This film provided evidence that Dionysus really exhisted and was eventually awarded in the 20th Berlin International Film Festival.

The Wanderings of Dionysus

Dionysus was part of a strict cult that made him go around and teach his followers how to cultivate vines. While he was on his journey traveling back to Thebes, Greek he was spotted by Pirates. The Pirates saw him as a rich young man and decided to capture him.  The pirates then attempted to tie Dionysus to their ship, but every time a rope touched him, it fell apart. Confused, the pirates ordered the crew to set sail, but the ship would not move. Dionysus was using his powers as a god to grow vines and tie the ship down. Dionysus then turned into a lion and chased the crew members overboard where they all turned into dolphins. He then continued on to Thebes staying along the shore line and spreading his religion along the way. When Dionysus and his followers reached Thebes they refused him and his celebrating soldiers because they were too loud and imprisoned them all. Dionysus proved to Pentheus that he was right and that he was a god and this showed enough evidence to get his followers released. To revenge Pentheus Dionysus and his followers saw him as a mountain lion and ripped his head off along with his limps.

Dionysus Description

         I am Dionysus, I am the son of Zues and Semele, who was a mortal. Ever since I was born I have been the god of the grape harvest, wine and winemaking. All of my culture and background has been taught to me by Greek Mythology. When my father cheated on my mother with another women to have me things did not go so well. I was transferred into my father to be born. When I was born no one wanted, or needed me, so my genius "mom" decided to get other gods to tear me to bits, but to save me from that I was forced to turn into a girl, and then a ram.