The Bacchae

Interesting Facts

• "The Bacchae" is one of the last tragedies by Euripides, written shortly before his death.
• The play is based on the myth of Dionysus and his cult, which was widespread in ancient Greece.
• The main conflict in the play unfolds between Dionysus and King Pentheus of Thebes, who refuses to acknowledge Dionysus's divinity.
• The play explores themes of religious ecstasy, madness, and the destructive power of fanaticism.
• "The Bacchae" was first performed posthumously in Athens and won first prize at the Great Dionysia.
• The play contains elements of both tragedy and comedy, making it unique in the genre of ancient Greek drama.
• In the play's finale, Pentheus is killed by his own mother Agave, who in her madness mistakes him for a wild beast.