  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. |
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