The most extraordinary tale in Greek mythology

The myth of Dionysus Zagreus is probably the most unique and intriguing narrative in all of Greek mythology. It revolves around the origin and death of the Greek god Dionysus (here born to Zeus and Persephone and named Zagreus). According to the myth, the god met a tragic fate when the monstrous Titans brutally attacked and dismembered him. In retaliation for the Titans' actions, Zeus unleashed his wrath upon them, obliterating them with his thunderbolts. From their ashes, a new race emerged - mankind.

The myth of Dionysus Zagreus has been associated with the concept of the duality of man's nature, suggesting that humans possess both divine and mortal aspects. Some scholars, such as Guthrie, have interpreted the myth as a central dogma of this duality, with the Titans representing the wicked element in humans and Dionysus representing the divine. While the myth has been linked to Orphic beliefs regarding the soul's imprisonment in the body, there is limited evidence to support the idea that humans share in the Titans' crime and have an "original sin" based on their actions. The fragmentary nature of the myth and the lack of comprehensive sources contribute to the complexity of understanding Dionysus Zagreus, making it a subject of ongoing scholarly exploration

Questions? Drop me (Aaron) a comment below or email at [email protected]

Greek myth explained:
What is Myth?:    • What is Myth?  
Was Greece an Egyptian colony?:    • Was Ancient Greece an Egyptian colony?  
Did Ancient Greece have Ancient History?:    • Did "Ancient" Greece have Ancient His...  
Did the Greeks Believe in their Myths?:    • Did the Greeks Believe in their Myths?  

Greek Religious Practice:
The Truth about Ancient Sacrifice:    • The Truth about Ancient Sacrifice  
The Orphic Mysteries: https: //   • The Secrets of the Orphic Mysteries  
Homer's Theory of the Soul:    • Homer's Theory of the Mind: Psyche, T...  

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - The myth of Dionysus Zagreus
01:38 - Olympiadorus’ commentary on Plato
03:26 - The Orphics on suicide
04:31 - Other sources: Onomacritus to Plutarch
06:21 - Alchemical philosophy
08:21 - Conclusions