Iacchus in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Iacchus

5 passages from 4 ancient authors that tell of Iacchus, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Iacchus is a name given to the god Dionysus when he participated in the Eleusinian Mysteries, in Greek mythology. In this context, he was considered t... For the story in one place, read our article on Iacchus.

Aristophanes (2)

Aristophanes, Frogs 307–350Parodos: the mystic chorus calls on IacchusDionysus and Xanthias hear flutes and smell torches and crouch down to watch the approaching mystics. The Chorus calls on Iacchus to come and lead their dance, and Xanthias recognises the hymn. Dionysus tells him to keep quiet and listen while the Chorus rouse their god.
Aristophanes, Frogs 378–415Parodos: hymns to Demeter and IacchusThe procession sings to the Saviour goddess, to Demeter and to Iacchus, the lord of the frolic and dance, and jests about the torn dress of a girl in the show. Dionysus and Xanthias say that they would like to follow on and join the dancing. The Chorus begins a round of jokes at Archedemus.

Nonnus of Panopolis (1)

Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca 48.811–978Book 48: Aura's twins; her transformation; Iacchos and the end of Dionysos' wanderingsNicaia consoles Aura, and Artemis taunts her before the twins are born. Aura abandons the babes to a lioness, but a panther suckles them, and she then devours one of them and, in shame, throws herself into the Sangarios, where Zeus changes her into a fountain. Artemis takes the surviving boy to Dionysos, and Nicaia nurses him. Athena and the Athenians honour him as Iacchos, and Dionysos sets Ariadne's crown in the sky and goes up to Olympos to sit beside Apollo.

Herodotus (1)

Herodotus, Histories 8.64–65The cry of Iacchus and the sons of AeacusAn earthquake came at sunrise, and the Hellenes prayed to the gods and called on Ajax and Telamon. Dicaios, an Athenian exile, told how he and Demaratos saw a cloud of dust from Eleusis and heard the cry Iacchos. Dicaios took it as a sign that the fleet of Xerxes would be destroyed.

Plutarch (1)

Plutarch, Life of Phocion 27.1–29.4Antipater's terms, the garrison in Munychia and the omens at the MysteriesAntipater demands the surrender of Demosthenes and Hypereides, a property qualification for citizens, a garrison in Munychia and the costs of the war, and he treats the philosopher Xenocrates with contempt. The garrison under Menyllus enters on the twentieth of Boëdromion as Iacchus is led to Eleusis, and omens are recalled: the Dodona oracle about the summits of Artemis, the fillets dyed a deathly colour and the man eaten by a fish. Over twelve thousand poor citizens lose the franchise and many go to Thrace, while Demosthenes and Hypereides die and the Athenians long for Philip and Alexander. Phocion obtains exemption from exile for many and the right to live in the Peloponnese for others.