Ans. He was the son of Jupiter and Sem´ele and was worshipped as the god of wine.
Ques. How is he represented?
Ans. As a young man, crowned with ivy and grape leaves; he sits in a chariot, drawn sometimes by panthers and lynxes, and sometimes by tigers and lions. He carries in his hand a thyrsus—that is, a staff encircled by ivy and grape leaves; a troop of demons and drunken satyrs follow him.
Ques. What was the story of Sem´ele?
Ans. She was destroyed by the jealousy of Juno. This goddess visited Sem´ele in the shape of an old woman, and persuaded her to ask Jupiter to visit her with all the glory which encompassed him in heaven. All happened as Juno desired, and Sem´ele was consumed by the lightnings which surrounded Jupiter. Bacchus did not share his mother’s fate, but was conveyed to Naxos, where he was educated by some nymphs.
Ques. How did Bacchus reward their care?
Ans. He transformed them into the stars known as the Hyades.
Ques. Who aided the nymphs in their care of Bacchus?
Ans. An old man named Silenus. He was considered a demi-god.
Ques. How is Silenus represented?