Dionysus Zagreus
godOrphic form of Dionysus, the divine child torn apart by Titans whose heart was saved to allow his rebirth.
The Myth
The Titans ate him — and humanity was born from the smoke. In Orphic theology, Zeus fathered Zagreus through Persephone and intended him as ruler of the cosmos. The jealous Titans lured the infant with toys and a mirror, then dismembered and devoured him. Athena rescued his still-beating heart and brought it to Zeus, who either swallowed it or gave it to Semele, allowing Dionysus to be reborn. Zeus incinerated the Titans with lightning, and from their ashes — mixed with divine Zagreus — humans were created. This is why humans contain both Titanic evil and Dionysian divinity. The myth is the foundation of Orphic soteriology.
Parents
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Orphic creation myth may have influenced the Christian concept of original sin and divine sacrifice.
Explore Further
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