Many people regard Dionysus of Thebes and Jesus of Nazareth as highly significant characters in the historical context. Dionysus (also known as Bacchus) was the son of of Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology. Similarly, Jesus was the son of God the Father in Christianity. The making of wine was relevant in the lives of Dionysus and Jesus. They were known to have performed miracles that impacted believers and nonbelievers. Additionally, they encountered similar situations throughout their lifetimes: they fought evil; they were rejected in their hometown; and they suffered and died. Their fates were also similar in that they both descended into the Underworld, rose again, and wanted for others to believe in them. Close associations between the lives of Dionysus and Jesus have led people to question whether or not Jesus was merely an imitation of the Dionysian myth. Although the stories of Dionysus of Thebes closely parallels the stories of Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus’ character was not borrowed from Dionysus (Harris & Platzner, 2012, p. 257). First, there were notable discrepancies …show more content…
Both were depicted as tall, handsome young men. They were also mature, bearded, and composed. According to the “Homeric Hymns,” “[Dionysus’] dark hair was beautiful, it / blew all around him, and / over his shoulders, the strong / shoulders, he held a purple cloak” (Leeming, 1990, p. 113). Likewise, Jesus had long, dark hair that rested above his shoulders. However, Jesus had a distinct look that was described by most as “perfect”. He had a well-proportioned figure, beautiful eyes like balls of fire, and a presence that made people feel both awe and love. He wore a crown of thorns at the time of his crucifixion. During his transfiguration, he wore a white robe and a golden sash across his chest and appeared extremely bright (Rops, 1954, p.