The stories featured in Greek out are original adaptations of classic Greek myths.

This week's story features God-induced madness, bursting into flames,

parting too hard, mysteries, self-unaliving, and enthusiastic revenge.

Today's story is all about one of the most interesting characters in Greek mythology.

This God has had millions of dedicated followers throughout history,

but he still receives criticism that he's not a true Olympian and shouldn't be taken seriously.

We're talking, of course, about Dionysus, the God of wine, the vine, and fruit,

and what some call a life force or essence, but we're going to call the life of the party.

He was associated with partying, madness, plays, and big cats.

Yeah, the guy had a lot of interest and hold on, wait a second, did you just say big cats?

Yes, he was known for writing a chariot pulled by leopards.

Wow, okay. So like I said, he had a lot of interests.

Dionysus was associated with lots of things, but he's best known for his ability to have fun

and throw over the top celebrations. Dionysus was the life of the party.

He was always celebrating something and making people laugh.

And because of this, he's one of the most popular gods in Greek mythology.

There were many festivals dedicated to honoring the God Dionysus.

He even had a cult following that worshiped him specifically.

Right. And in ancient Greece, cults were like special secret clubs you joined

in addition to the religion you followed. Scholars often use the term

mysteries to talk about them because we still don't know all that these special clubs did

and believed. But Dionysus not only had his own mystery cult, he also featured prominently

...