From somewhere distant you hear the old familiar voice of Zeus advise, “Don’t let my son lead you into evil ways!” Then another, rather jolly voice whispers, “Don’t listen to my father. You just stick with Baccus and you won’t go too far wrong. Or if you do, at least you’ll have fun!” “Who are you?” you call desperately. “I’m BACCHUS,” shouts the voice. “God of wine and fruit of the trees, often confused with Dionysus, especially by myself when I’ve been drinking. Open your eyes and meet my followers.” You hadn’t actually realised they were closed, but when you open them, you find yourself surrounded by a group of (rather handsome) girls dressed in fawn skins. They begin to dance around you chanting, “We’re the Maenads! We’re the Maenads! Welcome, welcome to the realm of Baccus!” At any other time you might feel a little uneasy with the strangeness of it all, but the foaming drink has done something to your better judgement since you begin to grin widely.
