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Pronunciation Key:
Janus - ja-nus
Satyr - sa'-tr
Silenus - sy-lee'-nuhs
Dionysus - dy-uh-ny'-suhs

The intrigue of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines surrounds the tales and fables of mythology. It has been written that the Romans were inspired by their Greek neighbors and created their own allegorical narratives. Who is the Roman god of love, the goddess of agriculture, or the goddess of youth? They are Cupid, Ceres, and Juventas. Let's take a stroll down the mythological lane to discover Janus, Silenus, and a satyr.

Why does the sculpture have two faces, each looking in opposite directions?

Traditionally, the Roman god of beginnings and endings/gates and doors is represented with a double face, each looking in opposite directions. Janus was worshipped at the beginning of important events and life cycles, including harvest, marriage, and birth. The opposing faces signify this god's ability to look forward and to look backward simultaneously.

Interestingly, in this work of art the word Janus does not signify the presence of the god himself; rather, it defines a double-faced image. Here, the double face represents two mythological Greek figures: a satyr and Silenus.

What is a satyr?

A satyr was a male being that lived in the forest and mountains. It often appears as a youthful half-man, half beast with the legs of a goat. Satyrs are often depicted as companions of Pan and Dionysus. They are very fond of women, especially nymphs. A sense of fearlessness made them notorious for their naughtiness and wild ways.

Pan - the Greek god of shepherds & flocks and a son of the god Hermes.

Who was Silenus?

Silenus was a mentor and faithful companion of Dionysus. He is believed to be the inventor of music. Generally, his physical characteristics are mature with a snub nose. He is commonly seen with wine-colored skin, a crown of ivy, riding a donkey, and amongst satyrs. Once considered a wise, mortal father figure who taught the god of wine, he became known for his consumption of wine and states of drunkenness.

Who was Dionysus?

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, agriculture, and mystical ecstasy. The son of a mortal woman and Zeus, Dionysus was the only god whose parents were not both immortal.

According to myth, Zeus came to love Semele and promised to grant her every wish and desire. Hera, Zeus's wife, learned of the promise and Semele's pregnancy and made plans to harm her. Hera finally confronted Semele and challenged the true nature of Zeus's love for her. In turn, Semele asked Zeus to show himself in the same glory that he shared with Hera. Zeus knew his power over the sky, rain, and thunderbolts would surely kill Semele, but he could not break his promise. Before Semele died from seeing him in his true state, Zeus removed the unborn baby from her womb and placed it in his thigh until its birth. Without Hera's knowledge, the child was born and sent away to be raised by nymphs.

Dionysus roamed to lands near and far and eventually invented wine. He spent a great deal of time trying to convince mortals of his divine nature. Mortals experienced the wrath, sheer ecstasy, or goodwill of his power.

What commonly known mythological tale includes Dionysus, Silenus, and King Midas?

King Midas was a very rich ruler over Asia Minor. His greed for more wealth hindered his better judgement and caused him to make several foolish mistakes. One day, a drunken Silenus was found near the palace of King Midas. A servant brought Silenus to the King. The King immediately recognized this friend of Dionysus and began to devise a plan. Instead of sending Silenus away, Midas decided to treat him like an important guest and showered him with hospitality. Dionysus learned of the King's generosity toward his friend and offered to grant him a wish. Of course, Midas chose a wish to bring additional wealth and asked for a "golden touch." His wish was granted and everything King Midas touched turned to gold. He walked around his palace turning ordinary objects into highly valuable ones, but he forgot something. What happened when he became thirsty or when his stomach rumbled from hunger? Yes, even his wine and food turned to gold! The King pleaded with Dionysus to remove his granted wish. Midas was told to bathe in the river Pactolus where his "golden touch" would be washed away. The river became golden as the King entered the water. Today, it is said that the riverbanks appear golden because of King Midas's touch.

- Channon M. Humphrey

Sources

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. United States of America: Penguin Books, 1969.

Macrone, Michael. Brush Up Your Mythology. New York: Gramercy Books, 1992.

Otto, Walter F. Dionysus: Myth and Cult. Dallas, Texas: Spring Publications, Inc., 1965.

Reinhold, Meyer. Essentials of Greek and Roman Classics: A Guide to the Humanities. Great Neck, New York, 1946.