Dionysus
by CTCWeb Editors
Birth of Dionysus
Dionysus was born under strange circumstances, much like his sister Athena. Students should examine the birth of Dionysus and compare the story to that of the birth of Athena. Why is Dionysus called ‘twice born’? Why did Zeus want Dionysus raised as a girl? What effect did this have on the formation of the myths surrounding Dionysus?
Athens, Agora I 7154 - Baby Dionysus being received by nymphs.
Olympia Hermes with Infant Dionysus - Hermes carries the infant Dionysus.
Apollodorus, Book 3.4.3 - This is the story of Zeus, Semele and Dionysus. It tells how Hera caused the death of Semele because of her jealousy. Once Dionysus is born, Zeus orders that he be raised as a girl.
Euripides, Hippolytus line 560, note 1 - This note tells the story of Dionysus’ birth and explains the reference of Dionysus as ‘twice born’ in the text.
Homeric Hymn 7: To Dionysus, line 1 - Dionysus is often refereed to as Semele’s son and not the son of Zeus.
Homeric Hymn 7: To Dionysus, line 55 - Dionysus announces his identify stating that he is the son of Semele from a union with Zeus. Semele is hailed by the sailors.
Homeric Hymn 26: To Dionysus, line 1-11 - This hymn tells of Dionysus parentage and how Zeus and especially the Nymphs raised Dionysus in the woods.
