As the son of Zeus, Bacchus is
usually characterized in one of two ways:
First, as the god of vegetation
specifically of the fruit of the trees. Eventually, he became the
popular Greek god of wine and cheer, and wine miracles were reputedly
performed at certain of his festivals. According to tradition, Bacchus
died each winter and was reborn in the spring. To his followers, this
cyclical revival, accompanied by the seasonal renewal of the fruits of
the earth, embodied the promise of the resurrection of the dead.
The yearly rites in honor of the
resurrection of Bacchus gradually evolved into the structured form of
the Greek drama, and important festivals were held in honor of the god,
during which great dramatic competitions were conducted.
,
in Greek mythology, was the god of wine and vegetation. He showed
mortals how to cultivate grapevines and make wine.