SILENUS (tutor to Dionysus)
Divine power · figure in Greek mythology; tutor to Dionysus
- Parents
- Pan, Hermes, Gaia
- Consorts
- Melia, Nais
- Children
- Pholus, Maron, Dolion, Leneus, Silens
- Allies
- Dionysus, Polyphemus
- Symbols and gear
- ivy, ass
- Haunts and cult places
- Malea, Nysa
- In the sources
- 43 ancient passages
Silenus, a drunken and staggering old man, served as the personal attendant and caretaker of the god Dionysus, contributing greatly to his fame.1,2,3,4 His lineage traces back to Pan, Hermes, and Gaia, and he is the father of Dolion, Maron, Pholus, Leneus, and Silens.5,6 He appeared as a bald figure with a head swollen from beatings, throbbing brows, and a handsome face, often adorned with a waving garland of ivy.1,2,7,8,9,10 A tail at the lower part of his back marked his satyr nature, and he supported his reeling limbs with a staff while riding a bending ass.11,3
As a mortal being among the Silenuses, Silenus was the eldest of a group of Satyrs who lived near the caves.12,13,14 In this rock-roofed cavern, he commanded servants to fold flocks into his home and performed tasks such as filling troughs and sweeping the cave.14,15
Phrygian farmers captured him while he stumbled from old age and intoxication, and Midas allegedly mixed spring water with wine to bind him.2,16 Midas hosted a festival lasting ten days and nights upon receiving the captive, who had been escorted to him bound with garlands.2,16 In another account, Silenus traded food from his flocks for wine from Odysseus and his companions.17,18 He claimed there were many ways to escape from within the rock and advised the group to hide inside to avoid the Cyclops.18 Although he tried to stop the visitors from stealing the Cyclops's property, he failed to prevent them from eating cheese and taking lambs.1
Silenus drank wine secretly and repeatedly, claiming the liquor kissed him due to his good looks and that wine was in love with him.8 He sat on soft turf to enjoy drinking in the warm sunshine, feeling the wine reach the ends of his fingers.8,17 The drunken Cyclops dragged him into the cave, mistakenly identifying him as Ganymede while carrying him away.19 Silenus lamented his fate and the bitter wine he would soon face, while the visitors struck his head repeatedly.20,19,1 Odysseus planned to transport Silenus away from the island in his ship, placing the old man in the hold.21
Beyond his tales of captivity, Silenus was credited with inventing the flute alongside Marsyas and Olympus.22 He provided a well in the market-place at Pyrrhichus, while the people of Malea claim he was also known by the name Pyrrhichus.23,24 A disaster once led to the river Marsyas carrying his flutes away, and he was identified as an author who named the island Aphrodisias.25,26 Pindar identified him as the husband of Nais, while a Macedonian story claimed he was captured in a specific garden.24,27 Legend says he rested on a small stone when Dionysus arrived in the region, and he presided over sixty Satyrs who trampled grapes while singing in praise of the wine-press.13,9
The codex facts behind this entry
The people of Malea claim that Silenus was also known by the name Pyrrhichus. Pausanias 3.25.2 He is described as an associate and companion of the sacred rites of Dionysus. Ovid Met. 11.85-145 Silenus is the eldest of a group of Satyrs living near the caves. Euripides, The Cyclops 82-130
Appearance
Silenus is described as a drunken, staggering old man with a bald head that is swollen from being beaten. Euripides, The Cyclops 203-240 +2 He possessed a tail located at the lower part of his back. Diodorus 3.72
In the myths
Silenus traded food from his flocks for wine from Odysseus and his companions. Euripides, The Cyclops 131-174 +2 Midas allegedly mixed water from a specific spring with wine to capture Silenus, who was then bound with garlands and escorted to him. Athenaeus 2.23 +2 Silenus lamented his fate and the bitter wine he would soon face. Athenaeus 10.15 +1 Silenus is credited with providing a well in the market-place at Pyrrhichus. Pausanias 3.25.3 Silenus experienced a disaster that led to the river Marsyas carrying his flutes away. Pausanias 2.7.9 Phrygian farmers captured him while he was stumbling due to old age and intoxication. Ovid Met. 11.85-145 Silenus claimed there were many ways to escape from within the rock. Euripides, The Cyclops 175-202 The Cyclops mistakenly identified Silenus as Ganymede while carrying him away. Euripides, The Cyclops 566-607 Silenus once held Maron, the son of Dionysus, in his arms. Euripides, The Cyclops 131-174 Silenus claimed he would jump from the Leucadian rock after drinking. Euripides, The Cyclops 131-174
Worship
Offering wine in a cup is the specific ritual performed for Silenus. Pausanias 6.24.8
Fate
A storm drove his ship to the rock of Aetna. Euripides, The Cyclops 1-40 He and his children were captured by a Cyclops. Euripides, The Cyclops 1-40 He became a slave in the house of Polyphemus. Euripides, The Cyclops 1-40 Graves of Silenuses exist, proving their mortality. Pausanias 6.24.8
