In Greek mythology, Dionysus was associated most strongly with wine, theater, and ecstatic celebration.
Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele in the most familiar tradition. Semele died after seeing Zeus in his divine form, and the unborn Dionysus was carried to term by Zeus. Other traditions give Dionysus a more complex, twice-born origin.
His worship involved wine, music, dance, altered states, and festivals. The ancient Athenian Dionysia became a major setting for dramatic competitions, helping connect Dionysus with Greek theater. Tragedy and comedy developed within the religious festival culture dedicated to him.
Dionysus was also linked with vegetation, fertility, and the grape harvest. His Roman equivalent was Bacchus, although the name Liber was also used in Roman religion. Dionysus should not be confused with Demeter, whose principal sphere was grain and agriculture.