If a Google search for "Dionysus" brought you here rather than to information on thehit songfrom South KoreanK-Pop megastars BTS, first of all, apologies. Second of all, welcome — let's find out why the god of fertility and wine has inspired artists (including the most famous current boy band in the world) to sing his praises.
"Dionysus is a complex god,"Richard P. Martin, Antony and Isabelle Raubitschek professor in classics at Stanford University, says via email. "He has the power to transport his worshippers into ecstasy, and to drive his opponents mad. He seems to come from outside and to invade the consciousness. Of course, that's probably primarily due to his connection with wine and its effects, from the very first mild and pleasant buzz it gives you to the wretched morning-afters when you have too much."
Advertisement
Here are some more facts about the grape-loving Greek god: