Bacchae (the play)

The Bacchae is an ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides that explores the dangers of ignoring or disrespecting the gods, specifically Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. The play depicts King Pentheus’s refusal to honor Dionysus, leading to chaos and tragedy. Dionysus'sfollowers, including women and the dramatized Maenads, indulge in wild, ecstatic rituals, representing the power of divine ecstasy and instinct. Ultimately, Pentheus’s defiance results in his destruction, illustrating themes of divine retribution, the duality of human nature, and the importance of respecting divine forces.