A thyrsus /rss/ or thyrsos /rss/ (Ancient Greek: ) was a wand or staff of giant fennel (Ferula communis) covered with ivy vines and leaves, sometimes wound with taeniae and topped with a pine cone, artichoke,[1] or by a bunch of vine-leaves and grapes or ivy-leaves and berries, carried during Hellenic festivals and religious ceremonies. Apollo 15 Mission, Site & Crew | When Did Apollo 15 Launch? Sweet Lord. [8] The thyrsus was tossed in the Bacchic dance: Pentheus: The thyrsusin my right hand shall I hold it? Egyptian Step Pyramid of Djoser | History, Facts & Uses, Erebus Overview, Mythology & Facts | Greek God of Darkness & Shadows. Franc Currency History & Use | Which Countries Use Francs? He holds a fennel staff, tipped with a pine-cone and known as a thyrsus. 9.8K subscribers in the dionysus community. Bacchus. Mystery Cults History & Characteristics | What are Mystery Religions? Breton Language: History & Use | Where is Breton Brezhoneg Spoken? Thyrsus The thyrsus (Ancient Greek: thrsos) was a type of staff in ancient Greece associated with the Greek god Dionysus. Dionysus: In thy right hand, and with thy right foot raise it". Paterfamilias Overview & History | Who was the Paterfamilias in Early Rome? Portland Vase Overview & Facts | What is the Portland Vase? Arthur Ashe Biography & Cause of Death | Who was Arthur Ashe? Australia Day Significance & History | What is Australia Day? SOS History, Signals & Overview | What is SOS Morse Code? Look at other dictionaries: Thyrsus Thyr sus, n.; pl. Daimyo History, Significance & Facts | What is a Daimyo? The painting by John Reinhard Weguelin, entitled Bacchus Triumphant, is a neoclassical depiction of the thyrsus. Sicherheitsdienst: Overview, History & Origins | What was the SD? The thyrsus is a staff or wand often associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and celebration, or the Roman equivalent deity named Bacchus. Uther Pendragon Overview, History & Facts | Who is King Arthur's Father? Bombe Creation, Use & WWII Role | The Code-Breaking Machine. Molly Maguires Overview & Significance | Who were the Molly Maguires? Moabites Overview & History | Who were the Moabites in the Bible? This staff has 20 charges. Other characters to be depicted or described as carrying a Thyrsus include Dionysus votaries or followers such as the Maenads (in Greece) or Bacchae (in Rome). Fosse Way: History & Route | Where is the Fosse Way? Hermias. Titanic & Her Sister Ships | Construction, Uses & Wrecks. Delhi Durbar: Overview, History & Events | What were the Delhi Durbars? Koh-i-Noor Diamond: History & Origin | The Koh-i-Noor as Crown Jewel, Greek Creation Myth: Summary & Gods | The Creation in Greek Mythology. King Edward VII Siblings, Children & Reign | Who was Edward VII? Danae and Zeus: Family & Mythology | Who was the Mother of Perseus? Price Revolution Timeline & Causes | What was the Price Revolution? Codex: Examples & Role in Book History | What is a Codex? Roman Consuls: Overview, Role & Term | What was a Consul? The god is depicted as a youth clothed in a bright blue robe, holding a thyrsus (pine-cone tipped staff) in his hand. Neoconservatism Origin & Beliefs | What is a Neocon? While holding it, you can use an action to expend 1 or more of its . Emma Goldman Overview & Anarchy | Who was Emma Goldman? . Eschatology Overview & Prophets | What is Eschatology? Shamash Overview & Mythology | Who is the Mesopotamian Sun God? Mythologically, Dionysus used his thyrsus as a weapon to defeat the Titans that held him captive. Norse Creation Myth: Summary & Names | What is the Norse Creation Story? Guan Yu the God of War: Life & Legacy | Who was Guan Yu? (Euripides, c. 405 BC) At the start of this tragedy, the god Dionysus arrives in Thebes to seek vengeance against his aunt Agave, who has denied his immortality, and her son Pentheus, who as King of Thebes bans worship of Dionysus. Geronimo Overview, Life & Tribe | Who was Geronimo? Dionysus' father. RMS Mauretania Overview & Significance | What was the Mauretania? In Roman mythology, he is represented by the god Bacchus. Nekhbet, Egyptian Goddess: Mythology & Symbol | Who was Nekhbet? [4] The thyrsus was a sacred instrument at religious rituals and ftes. Fort Necessity History, Battle & Significance | Battle of Fort Necessity. Io in Greek Mythology: History & Facts | Who is Io in Greek Mythology? Both the Maenads/Bacchae and the Satyrs were often described as dancing with Thyrsus staves in their hands during Dionysus wild feasts. The National Diet of Japan | Origin, Structure & Building. Battle of Verdun History & Importance | Who Won the Battle of Verdun? Peloponnesian League History & Members | What was the Peloponnesian League? Thyrsus. Tuileries Palace: History & Location : What was the Tuileries Palace? Other characters to be depicted or described as carrying a Thyrsus include Dionysus' votaries or followers such as the Maenads (in Greece) or Bacchae (in Rome). Jacobitism Ideology, Community & History | What is a Jacobite? The Three Kings History & Significance | Who were the Magi? Maxwell Motor Company | History, Automobiles & Merge With Chrysler, Mac & Mc Surname Prefixes | Origin, History & Difference. The god Dionysus rides side-saddle on the back of a panther. He was particularly skilled at depicting scenes from Greek and Roman mythology. Daimons Overview & Facts | Ancient Greek Mythological Demons. Daisy Bates Biography, Facts & Accomplishments | Who was Daisy Bates? {Torso}.] M-19 History, Members & Facts | What is the 19th of April Movement? Both the Maenads/Bacchae and Satyrs were often depicted as using Thyrsus staves as weapons in battle. Civitas History, Facts & Overview | What was Roman Citizenship? Heinrich Himmler Life & Nazi Role | Who was Hitler's Right Hand Man? 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Plato describes the hedonistic connotation of the thyrsus, and thereby Dionysus, in his philosophical Phaedo: I conceive that the founders of the mysteries had a real meaning and were not mere triflers when they intimated in a figure long ago that he who passes unsanctified and uninitiated into the world below will live in a slough, but that he who arrives there after initiation and purification will dwell with the gods. Rump Parliament Overview & History | What was the Rump Parliament? Noah's Ark: Story Origins & Facts | Who was Noah in the Bible? Nathan Bedford Forrest Overview & Biography | Confederate General & KKK Leader. Natufian Period, Culture & Facts | Who were the Natufian People? King Leopold II of Belgium: Family & Reign | Who was King Leopold II? To raise my Bacchic shout, and clothe all who respond/ In fawnskin habits, and put my thyrsus in their hands/ The weapon wreathed with ivy-shoots Euripides also writes, "There's a brute wildness in the fennel-wandsReverence it well."[11]. The staff also had a role in several specific myths such as the myth of Dionysus and the Titans or the story of his journey to the underworld. Lot: 205 Realized: 110,000 CHF (Approx. The thyrsus is a staff associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and celebration, or his Roman equivalent called Bacchus. In his wanderings, Dionysus can be caught carrying his thyrsus, a staff wrapped with ivy with a pine-cone tip, and his most recognizable symbol. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Chief Justice John Roberts Life & Career | Who is John G. Roberts? Four Sights of Buddha | Overview, Story & Importance. Essenes: Overview, Beliefs & History | Who were the Essenes? Censorship is an affront to Dionysus. Martin Bormann: Family & Nazi Party Role | Who was Martin Bormann? Phaedra Overview & Facts | Who is Phaedra in Greek Mythology? Victoria Cross History & Recipients | What is the VC? Vesta Mythology & Facts | Who is the Roman Goddess of Hearth & Home? Dionysus (Roman Bacchus) transforms the Tyrrhenian pirates into dolphins. Brahmo Samaj: History & Doctrine | Who Founded the Brahmo Samaj? Baal: Concept, Image & History | Who was the God Baal? The followers of Dionysus included spirits of fertility, such as the satyrs and sileni, and in his rituals the phallus was prominent. Jord, Norse Earth Goddess | Mythology, Family & Names, Belenus Mythology, Cult & Facts | The Celtic God of Fire, Appeasement in World War II | Overview, History & Policy, Compromise Tariff of 1833 History & Facts | The Tariff of 1833. Ancient Roman Education | Structure, Content & Types of Schools. RMS Olympic: History, Features, & Facts | What was the Olympic? Barnum? The bas-relief in bronze ye promised me,/Those Pans and nymphs ye wot of, and perchance/Some tripod, thyrsus, with a vase or so. Thyrsus. King Alfred of Wessex: Family & Reign| Who was King Alfred the Great? Dionysus with long torch sitting on a throne, with Helios, Aphrodite and other gods. Vanuatu Map, People & Facts | Where is Vanuatu? Celtic Triple Goddess Mythology & Facts | Who is the Triple Goddess? Niobe, Daughter of Tantalus: Mythology & History | Who was Niobe? St. Mark's Basilica: History & Location | Basilica di San Marco. Interested in sex and wine. Naxos Drachm circa 461-430 BCE, AR 3.77 g. Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 132. It was used by Dionysus in the Gigantomachy. Eurozone Crisis Origin & Facts | What is the European Debt Crisis? thyrsus: 2. December 28th, 2019. Brazen Bull: Torture Device & Purpose | What was the Brazen Bull? Dionysus's staff is called a thyrsus. Irgun Overview, History & Revolts | What is the Irgun Zvai Leumi? A Thyrsus, or thyrsos (Ancient Greek: ), was a wand or staff of giant fennel (Ferula communis) covered with ivy vines and leaves, sometimes wound with taeniae and topped with a pine cone or by a bunch of vine-leaves and grapes or ivy-leaves and berries.The thyrsus, associated with Dionysus (or Bacchus) and his followers, the Satyrs and Maenads (or Bacchants), is a symbol . Jackie Kennedy Life & Accomplishments | Who was Jackie Kennedy? Dionysus was instructed in the "secrets of the gods," serving as a prophet. Hephthalites History, Empire & Facts | Who were the White Huns? He used it against Ephialtes and Otis in a war with Hercules. Syndicalism Overview, Symbol & Flag | What is Syndicalism? The above fell into the garden the other day. Fleur-de-lis Overview, History & Symbol | What is a Fleur-de-lis? Hindenburg Disaster Overview & Impact | What was the Hindenburg Disaster? National Union for the Total Independence of Angola | Origin & Purpose. Ancient Greek Laws | History, Facts & Characteristics, Bootlegging: History & Facts | Bootlegging During Prohibition. Sometimes the thyrsus was displayed in conjunction with a kantharos wine cup, another symbol of Dionysus, forming a male-and-female combination like that of the royal scepter and orb. Henry III of France: Family, Reign & Death | Who was Henry III? Second Temple History & Destruction | Who Destroyed the Second Temple? Loretta Lynch: Life & Career | When was Lynch Attorney General? Japanese . The thyrsus is a staff associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and celebration, or his Roman equivalent called Bacchus. The thyrsus is a remarkable piece of equipment: when granted Dionysian power, it is capable of conjuring forth water, wine, milk from the land. In this way, the thyrsus is often seen as a symbol of the life-giving and rejuvenating power of nature, particularly as represented by Dionysus and his association with wine and celebration. Africa's Victoria Falls Overview & Facts | Where is Victoria Falls? Diet of Augsburg | Overview, Timeline & Significance. George W. Bush Life & Presidency | Who is George W. Bush? It is carried by Dionysus and his Maenads. Thyrsus definition: a staff , usually one tipped with a pine cone , borne by Dionysus ( Bacchus ) and his. Frigg Overview, Mythology & Facts | Who is the Norse God Frigg? Matthew Ridgway Life & Legacy | Who was General Matthew Ridgway? Zionism Origin & History | What is a Zionist? "Thyrsus (grippin') Grape (eating')" Here, a reference is made to the staff Dionysus carries, Thyrsus which is made of reed and ivy. USS Arizona: History & Pearl Harbor | What was the Battleship Arizona? Those who wield the staff are loved by all and . Mutapa Empire, History & Decline | What was the Kingdom of Mutapa? staff carried by Dionysus' worshippers. Branch Davidians & David Koresh | History, Beliefs & Waco Siege. Check out our thyrsus selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our blankets & throws shops. White House History, Facts & Location | When was the White House Built? Battle of Culloden Overview & Clans | When was the Battle of Culloden? Taille History & Significance | What was the Taille Tax System? Holocaust Gas Chambers: History & Victims | Nazi Gas Chambers. Yakut People History & Culture | Who are the Sakha People? TWA Flight 800: Overview & Facts | Trans World Airlines Flight 800 Crash. thyrsus, in Greek religion, staff carried by Dionysus, the wine god, and his votaries (Bacchae, Maenads). Hermann Goering Life, Career & Trial | Who was Hermann Goering? Second Strike Capability History & Facts | What is Second Strike? Chinese Leader Zhou Enlai: Life & Reign | Who was Zhou Enlai? Native American Wampums as Currency | Overview, History & Facts. {Thyrsi}. American Frontier Time Period & Significance | What was the Wild West? Javanese History, Culture & Facts | Who are the Javanese People? [Image credit: EasyVectors.com - CC BY 2.5 ] In rural ancient Greece, the Dionysia festivals were celebrated with the performance of dithyrambs , choral hymns dedicated to Dionysus. Martha Washington Life & Children | Who was Martha Washington? Semele is a mortal woman so already, dionysus is a problem, he isn't really a god Sparagmos means dismemberment Iconography: wreath, fawn skin, leopard (or lion or bull), wine cup, thyrsus (plant stalk topped with ivy or grape leaves), grapes, vines. Greek Vase Paintings 1. Operation Torch History & Significance | What was Operation Torch? Flora Significance & Facts | Who is the Roman Goddess of Flowers? Wartburg Castle History & Architecture | Where is Wartburg Castle? Dancing Plague Cause & Origin | What was the Dancing Plague of 1518? Hebrew Israelites | Overvew, History & Beliefs. Thyrsus, a fennel staff with a pine cone at the top end, is the most common Dionysus symbol while other symbols of Dionysus include kantharos, the Greek drinking cups, grapevines/grapes, panthers and bulls. The Du Pont Family: History, Members & Businesses. Dragon Mythology, Types & Interpretations | Are Dragons Real? . The pinecone is a symbol of immortality and the thyrsus was also used by Maenads. [5] Hence his thyrsus is called "a spear enveloped in vine-leaves",[6] and its point was thought to incite to madness.[7]. 7 chapters | Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Vassalage History & Purpose | What was a Vassal in the Middle Ages? Sultanate of Egypt Causes & Outcome | What is a Sultanate? Echo the Nymph Overview & Facts | Who is Echo in Greek Mythology? Rand Currency: History & Banknotes | What is the South African Rand? Baby Face Nelson Criminal Life & Facts | Who was Baby Face George Nelson? Hachiman, Japanese God of War: Mythology & Symbol | Who is Hachiman? William Wallace Overview & Death | Who was William Wallace? Nyx Overview, Mythology & Facts | Greek Goddess of the Night. Indian Subcontinent: Overview & Countries | What is a Subcontinent? It is a tall rod that the Bacchae hold in one hand, usually made from fennel, wrapped with ivy and topped off with a pine cone. Sulis, Celtic Goddess: Mythology & History | Who was Sulis? Saints Overview & Role in the Catholic Church | What is a Saint? Swiss Guard Overview & History | The Swiss Guard at the Vatican. Black Hand: Overview & WWI Role | What was the Black Hand? Oskar Schindler Life & Legacy | What Did Oskar Schindler Do? Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. It can also be made out of ivy leaves and berries. Greek Mythology. Lord Nelson Facts & Accomplishments | Who was Lord Nelson? The thyrsus also played a role in other myths involving Dionysus, such as the story of his journey to the underworld to rescue his mother, Semele, or the story of his triumph over the giant, Enceladus. Also, Macrobius (1.19.16) identifies Dionysus's thyrsus/wand as a solar artifact, as is Mercury's caduceus, the staff with intertwined snakes, essentially the same as Moses's rod. Hitler Youth Program & Overview | What was the Hitler-Jugend? Slave Ship Overview & Conditions | What is the Middle Passage? Inari History, Mythology & Facts | What is Inari Okami? Burkina Faso Capital & Map | Where is Burkina Faso? Omissions? 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Overview & Facts | What was the 2004 Tsunami? In early Greek art the Bacchae were usually depicted as holding branches of vine or ivy, but after 530 bc the staff to which the name thyrsus properly applied began to be shown as a stalk of giant fennel (narthx) segmented like bamboo, sometimes with ivy leaves inserted in the hollow end. Henry Johnson Life, Military Career & Honors | Who was Henry Johnson? Treasury of Atreus History & Facts | Where is the Tomb of Agamemnon? Bacchae were depicted and described using them as weapons. Manichaeism Overview, Theology & History | What is Manichaeism? Many also carried the traditional thyrsus, a tall rod made of giant fennel, with a pine cone on the end, and a taenia, or sacred ribbon, tied in a bow below the pine cone. Portrayed as a staff or a wand, the Thyrsus is made out of a giant fennel stalk thats sometimes segmented like bamboo. It appeared in Greek myths and stories, particularly in the rituals and celebrations of Dionysus and his followers, the Maenads or Bacchae. Matthew Henson Timeline & Accomplishments | Who was Matthew Henson? Japanese Geisha: Role, History & Culture | What is a Geisha? [L., fr. Thyrsus staves were also used during some rites and rituals of Dionysus and his followers. The Amarna Letters History & Facts | What are the Amarna Letters? Alexander Hamilton & Maria Reynolds Affair | Fallout & the Reynolds Pamphlet. Zeus, in an attempt to save him, turned him into a goat. . Satyr Characteristics & Myths | What are Satyrs in Greek Mythology? Dionysus was depicted carrying a thyrsus in Ancient Greece, as was his Roman counterpart Bacchus in Ancient Rome. Russian Empire Map & Founding | Why Did the Russian Empire End? Dionysus Bacchus - Greek Roman God of Wine, Fertility, Ritual Madness, Theater and Religious Ecstasy - Alabaster Statue Sculpture . Augsburg Confession Summary & Facts | What is the Augsburg Confession? Dionysus was a wanderer, traveling through the world with the bands of Maenads, setting up his worship and bringing the culture of grapes and wine. Act of Supremacy in 1534 | Overview, History & Significance, Khmer Rouge Regime | History, Leaders & Cambodian Genocide. The thyrsus, associated with Dionysus (or Bacchus) and his followers, the Satyrs and Maenads (or Bacchants), is a symbol of prosperity, fertility, hedonism, and pleasure/enjoyment in general. . Angrboda, Mother of Fenrir: Mythology & Story | Who is Angrboda? House of Saud History & Members | Royal Family of Saudi Arabia.