Dionysus is the god of wine and drunkenness in Greek Mythology. He could bring joy on his way or violence according to his mood.

The birth of Dionysus

Semele was loved by Zeus and was pregnant by him. Hera, jealous of this relationship, manipulated her so that Semele made Zeus a promise to grant her a vow.

Once the promise was made, Semele asked Zeus to show himself in all his divine splendor. The god of sky, obliged to keep his promise, complied, but he was so radiant that he set Semele on fire.

He still managed to save the child she was carrying and to hide it in his thigh until this child, Dionysus, was born a few months later.