Ans. He seems to be the personification of drunkenness; he is sometimes represented as seated intoxicated on a cask of wine, his head crowned with grape leaves, and his face stained with the lees of wine; sometimes as mounted on an ass, and following the car of Bacchus.
Ques. What were the first exploits of Bacchus?
Ans. He distinguished himself in the combats between the gods and giants, taking the form of a lion to strike terror into the latter.
Ques. What other actions are attributed to him?
Ans. He taught men how to plant the vine and till the ground. He is said to have subdued India, and many other countries of the East.
Ques. How was he worshipped?
Ans. The goat and the hog were offered to him in sacrifice; and the ivy, the fir, the bindweed, the fig and the vine were consecrated to him.
Ques. What feasts were held in his honor?
Ans. The feasts of Bacchus were various. The Bacchanalia or Orgia were the most celebrated. They were at first participated in by women only but afterwards men were admitted to join in these rites. The women were called Bacchantes, and ran about with their hair dishevelled, shouting and singing in a distracted manner. The Roman Senate at length abolished this festival.
Ques. Relate the story of Pentheus?