Classical Studies 2200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Bromius, Thiasus, Sparagmos

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2200
• Professor: Aara Suksi

Document Summary

Slays dragon guarding the city and from sown teeth an army of men produced (autochthony: from the earth) Compare: jason at colchis slaying the dragon and killing the men sown from its teeth. The sown men kill one another, 4 remain and become leaders of specific households. Pentheus is cousin of dionysus and hero of this story. Many myths of resistance to the gods and punishment of theomachoi (war/struggle against god) Thiasos: exotic group of dancers that follow the gods. Thyrsus: wand tipped with pine cone and decorated with ivy, carried by dionysus and maenads. Historical context: anxiety about religious beliefs and behaviours. Introduction of new religious cults into athens; anxiety about the greek gods feeling disrespected. Violation of eleusinian mysteries (consisting of impious seeing or performing); alcibiades and others accused of this 415 bce. If you weren"t initiated into the cult, you should not know what was going on. Punishment of theban royal family, who resist his worship.