Why Study Dionysus and the Bacchae with Judith Mossman

Professor Judith Mossman (Dept of Classics, The University of Nottingham), an expert on Greek tragedy, introduces one of the most powerful of the plays of Euripides: The Bacchae. This gives us an introduction to some central themes in Greek religion.

[firstlast]

Greek theogony is absolutely a precursor to the Jewish pantheon described in the Tanakh and Septuagint and later Christian works. Christianity is literally an evolution of Dionysian worship.

[ronboar]

Wow, I love ❤️ I carry the name of Dionysus, Dionisio who came in from Asia 🎑 im from the Philippines 🇵🇭... 😆 very proud!!

[MonkeyWhoWouldBeKing]

It was surprising to hear the Professor refer to when Dionysus came in from Asia.
My understanding is that Dionysus' name was found in Linear-B inscriptions implying that he was a Mycenaean deity like Poseidon, rather than an import like Aphrodite?

[anzaeria]

I wish I could track down the particular translation of The Bacchae which I studied in the mid 90s. Though I can't remember the name of that 'version.' I recently obtained another copy of the play but it is a different translation. The description of the downfall and fate of Pentheus was more memorable in the copy that I read in the 90s.

[conorbowen]

Poor Agave. What could be worse than being driven insane, than by driven insane and then driven sane again. I think Euripides was very keen on the idea that women suffered first and foremost from war and violence in Ancient Greece

[TheLocoUnion]

The Bacchae is playing at the BAM in Brooklyn NY Oct 3-7th 2018 limited engagement ... Dionysus is played by a woman here... I can’t wait to see it!

[marishkagrayson]

actually Christ has a lot to do with Dionysus—twice born, human mother, resurrection, son of a heavenly father, their bodies and blood were drank and eaten in ritualistic ceremonies...etc. But otherwise an excellent but brief video

[turinhorse]

6:07 oh they dont? how can you be so learned and not realize how linked Dionysus and "Jesus Christ" are? the entire eucharist is just torn from Dionysus

[mattward]

The word "Ἐλωΐ" (Eloi) is the Greek transliteration of "Evoi" in this context and is used as an exclamation of joy and celebration during the worship of Dionysus.
Leader of the Bacchants: Ἐλωΐ! Ἐλωΐ! φωνεῖς τῷ θεοῷ."
Matthew 27:46 (Greek text): "Περὶ δὲ τὴν ἐνάτην ὥραν ἀνεβόησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς φωνῇ μεγάλῃ λέγων, Ἐλωΐ λεμὰ σαβαχθανεί ; τοῦτ’ ἔστιν, Θεέ μου θεέ μου, ἱνατί με ἐγκατέλιπες;"
Matthew 27:46 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?


Judith Mossman

[lizardpeoplepoetry]

tfw the chorus diminishes in importance :'(

[AM-cvfi]

Could it be that the family was split up in this primitive landscape because they have become too civilized? Dionysus is a wild god and his own family has forgotten how to be wild.