The Story Behind Dionysus Golden Feast
Dionysus is one of the most fascinating figures in ancient Greek mythology. Join him at his feast to relax and earn handsome rewards!
The Amorous God
Zeus, of course, was quite the notorious philanderer. Many myths reference the supreme Olympian’s amorous nature as though it were a matter of course.
Dionysus was born from the thunder god’s passion for the female sex. His mother, Semele, made a rather foolish request: she asked Zeus to embrace her as he did his wife. Naturally, Hera was involved, scheming to cast all of her husband’s lovers into Tartarus.
The Consequences of Female Folly
Semele demanded that any wish she made be granted. Zeus swore an oath by the waters of the Styx, and then his lover requested that he embrace her as he embraced his wife.
The ruler of Olympus could not refuse, for the gods must not break such an oath. Zeus transformed into a mass of fire and lightning and fulfilled Semele’s wish, whereupon she perished instantly.
Men Also Give Birth
However, her beloved managed to snatch the infant from her womb. Zeus stitched the unborn Dionysus into his thigh and carried the child to term himself.
The newborn son was entrusted to Ino, Semele’s sister, who raised him as a girl to conceal him from Hera, who prowled the earth seeking to root out the child born of adultery. Alas, it was all in vain.
Childhood and Youth
Hera inflicted madness upon Ino’s husband, who then killed their own son and sought to do away with Dionysus as well. Yet Ino, preserving her sanity, took the child and fled with him, casting herself into the sea. The younger son of Zeus was nurtured by the Nereids, and fate later led him to the Nysian valley, where nymphs tended him.
There, Dionysus met a satyr named Silenus, who became his mentor. The teacher revealed to Zeus’s son the secrets of nature and instructed him in the art of winemaking. Later, Dionysus invented beer—realizing that no matter how exquisite wine was, one could tire of it. The frothy beverage introduced much-needed variety.
Merriment and Mayhem
Dionysus roamed the world, undertaking a campaign in India, visiting the island of Crete, and even descending into the realm of the dead.
Though Dionysus possessed a peaceful disposition, wherever he appeared, the merriment that began the festivities would swiftly turn into a storm of violence. People committed dreadful acts chronicled in myths and legends: fathers slew their children, mothers devoured infants, and these were far from the most horrific deeds unleashed by Dionysus’s presence.
Hera, who bore a deep hatred for Zeus’s youngest son, instilled madness in him. Dionysus himself retained his sanity, unlike the unfortunate mortals drawn into his wake.
The Golden Feast
Over time, Hera’s curse weakened and eventually vanished. Dionysus now prefers tranquil rest, remaining at home atop Olympus. Nevertheless, he still hosts grand feasts.
Unlike many gods, Dionysus holds no ill will toward mortal society. Indeed, he welcomes a good guest with whom to engage in stimulating conversation and savor delicious, aromatic wine.
Welcome to Olympus!
Dionysus has arranged a golden feast and invites all who wish to attend. Cups, plates, saucers, amphorae—all crafted from pure gold! There is also a harp, a cornucopia, and a wealth of other delights. After the feast, you may take whatever you can grasp.
Simply press the spin button, and within moments, you will be transported to the summit of Olympus. Dionysus will recount his adventures, treat you to excellent wine, and… in short, this feast will be divine in every sense.
