2. Dionysus represents a unique element in ancient Greek myth and religion. Please describe the major elements of his mythical narrative, how they reflect certain recurring patterns and motifs, and address and analyze his "otherness" in the context of ancient Greek myth. Finally, briefly explain his relationship to Greek tragedy and to his religious cult.

    Greek god, Dionysus, identified with Bacchus, a Roman deity, was the son of Zeus and the Theban princess Semele, daughter of Cadmus. He was the only divine being generated by a mortal. She was seduced by Zeus, who disguised himself as a man. Hera, sister and wife of the God of all gods, possessed by jealousy, set a trap for Dionysus's mother. Pretending to be the princess's wet nurse, she convinced her to ask Zeus for proof of who he really was, or, according to another version, to require him to appear before her in his brightest robes.

    After conception, the child was handed over to his aunt, who educated him with the help of dryads, hours and nymphs. Some legends also mention the possibility of Dionysus being the son of Persephone, the sovereign of Hell. Growing up, the god was driven mad by Hera, unhappy with her husband's betrayal. He then began to circulate in all corners of the Planet. Upon meeting the goddess Cybele, in Phrygia, she granted him the cure and formed him within the religious ceremonies she cultivated.

    It is also possible to find the image of Dionysus sitting on a bowl, with a glass in his hand, which pours intoxicating wine, which justifies his hesitant walk. The Greeks offered him goats, rabbits and corvid birds. This god was also considered a warrior, always beating opponents, mainly getting rid of the traps of his biggest rival, Hera.

   His fame as a god of wine and pleasure earned him several theatrical festivals in his honor. He is always connected also with pleasurable activities, such as eroticism and orgies. According to the legends, he was very friendly with those who worshiped him, but he could bring madness and ruin to those who despised the wanton feasts offered to him, known as bacchanals. It is also said that he always retreated to death during the winter and was born again in the spring.