The Name

Bacchus, the Thracian god of wine, represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficial influences.  He is viewed as the promoter of civilization, a lawgiver and lover of peace - as well as the patron deity of agriculture and the theater.  He was also known as the Liberator, freeing one from one's normal self, by madness, ecstasy or wine.  The divine mission of Bacchus was to mingle the music of the flute and to bring an end to care and worry.