Quick Links
Home
Celtic Mythology
Greek Mythology
Roman Mythology
The Bibliography

Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

home | greek | lexicon | page 3 | thyrsos



Thyrsos - A Symbol of Dionysos
Dionysos, the Greek god of wine and the theatre, was often depicted in mythology and art with a thyrsos (also spelled thyrsus). Indeed, the thyrsos was one of the god's symbols. This rather odd looking attribute was basically a staff upon which ivy or grape vines were wound, topped with what appears to be a large pine cone - and if you use your imagination, you might notice that the thyrsos resembles a giant stalk of asparagus.

In addition to the images of Dionysos carrying the thyrsos in ancient Greek vase painting and relief sculpture, there are many examples of Maenads or Bacchantes holding this distinctive staff. So it is important to remember that these female followers of the frenzied god of wine also carry the thyrsos in art and myth. Occasionally, satyrs (those creatures, half man and half goat, who form the male portion of Dionysos's entourage) and/or Sileni are portrayed holding this distinctive symbol as well.

Here is a detail of an ancient Greek vase painting that depicts a maenad (or bacchante) with a thyrsos:



More images and information about representations of the thyrsos in ancient Greek art can be found in the following book:

Art and Myth in Ancient Greece | T.H. Carpenter

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!