Dionysus | |
| Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses for Kids - Dionysus The myths and legends surrounding Dionysus, the Greek god of wine Dionysus for kids Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, parties, festivals, celebrations, madness, chaos, drunkenness and ecstasy. He therefore represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficent influences which led him to be viewed as the promoter of civilization and lover of peace. He is often represented as the protector of those who do not belong to conventional society and therefore symbolizes everything which is chaotic, dangerous and unexpected which can only be attributed to the unforeseeable action of the gods. Dionysus was not only the god of wine, but also of the theater. Additional intriguing facts and information about the mythology and legends of individual gods and goddesses of these ancient civilizations can be accessed via the following links: Gods and Deities Greek Gods and Goddesses | Picture of Dionysus |
Dionysus (Roman Counterpart was Bacchus) When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC, the Romans assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses, such as Dionysus, were therefore adopted by the Romans but were given Latin names. The Roman counterpart of Dionysus was Bacchus. Facts about Dionysus The following facts and profile provides a fast overview of Dionysus: Dionysus Profile & Fact File Personality: Helpful, generous, light-hearted, popular Appearance: Powerful, imposing with a full head of dark hair and wearing a beard alternatively depicted as a clean shaven pretty youth Role & Function: The function of Dionysus is described as being the god of wine, celebrations, fertility and merry-making. The spirit of ecstasy and disorder Status: Major God and one of the Twelve Olympians Symbols: Thyrsos staff, leopard, panther, tiger, goat, grapes, ivy and goblets Gender: Male Roman Counterpart: The Roman name for this god was Bacchus Name of Wife: Ariadne Name of Father: Zeus Name of Mother: Semele The Family of Dionysus According to Greek legends and myths the family of Dionysus were as follows: - Father: Zeus
- Mother: Semele, a princess of Thebes. He was the only god to have a mother who was a mortal
- Wife: Ariadne
- Names of Children with Ariadne: Oenopion, Thoas, Staphylos and Peparethus
- Names of Children with Aphrodite - Charites, Hymenaios and Priapus
Dionysus and Mount Olympus In Greek Mythology the principle Greek gods were referred to as the Twelve Olympians and lived on the summit of Mount Olympus which was protected by a special layer of clouds. The gods and goddesses who lived on Mount Olympus attended sumptuous banquets in the council-chamber of the gods and feasted on ambrosia (the food of the gods) and nectar (the drink of the gods). The names of the other Olympian gods were Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Ares, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Demeter, Artemis, Hephaestus and Hermes. The Greek Gods Family Tree and Genealogy The genealogy of these ancient deities can be established via the Greek gods family tree which also provides an overview of the relationship of Dionysus to the other Greek gods and deities. The Greek gods family tree and genealogy provides an overview of his relationship to the other Greek gods and deities. The Greek Gods Family Tree - Hestia or Dionysus? Greek historians agreed that there were 12 Olympians but disagreed as to whether Hestia or Dionysus was one of the principle gods. We have included Hestia in the family tree as she was a direct descendent of Cronus and Rhea whereas Dionysus was the only god to have a mother who was a mortal. |
The Symbols of Dionysus In the sculptures, vases, mosaics and paintings of Greek Art the god Dionysus was often illustrated with images representing his symbols - the thyrsos (a pine-cone tipped staff), leopard, panther, tiger, goat, grapes, ivy and goblets. The symbols of Dionysus were: A Drunken Dionysus Dionysus in Greek Mythology - The Midas Touch Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, featured in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology. The famous story of the man with the Midas touch is associated with Dionysus. He rewarded King Midas with what seemed to be a wonderful gift - whatever the king touched would turn into gold. But this included the food he tried to eat and King Midas became weary of his gift, and asked Dionysus to revert it refer to the Midas Touch. Myths and Legends about Dionysus in Greek Mythology He presided over commerce, wrestling and other gymnastic exercises. He also presided over thieves and everythingthat required skill, cunning and dexterity. The most famous myths and legends relating to Dionysus are: - Silenus, a satyr
- The story of King Midas
- The transformation of pirates into dolphins
- The return of Hephaestus to Mount Olympus
Worshipping the gods Dionysus - Greek Gods & Greek Mythology for Kids Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, was one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. The legend and myth about Dionysus has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role the history of the Ancient World and the study of the Greek classics. Dionysus features in the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but possessed great magical and mystic powers. - The Greek gods and goddesses were immortal but not invulnerable.
- The Greek Gods including Dionysus lived on the summit of the mythical Mount Olympus
- Dionysus looked and dressed like a mortal, ate and slept and was able to marry and have children
- The Greek gods and goddesses were more beautiful, taller and stronger than mere mortals
Greek gods and goddesses, such as Dionysus, possessed supernatural powers and presided over specific dominions and were strongly associated with areas of power. Dionysus is known as the Greek god of wine. |
Dionysus - Interesting information and Facts about the Greek god Dionysus
- Dionysus, the Greek god of wine
- Stories and Legends in Greek Mythology associated with Dionysus
- Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids
- Greek god of wine
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