Dionysus is the Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness, fertility, theatre and religious ecstasy. In Greek mythology, he is the son of Zeus and the mortal Semele, the daughter of the king of Thebes. Alcohol, especially wine, played an important role in Greek culture and Dionysus was an important reason for this life style. His Roman name is Bacchus based on the word bakkheia - the frenzy he induces. He is also known as Eleutherios ("the liberator"), whose wine, music and ecstatic dance frees his followers from self-conscious fear and care, and subverts the oppressive restraints of the powerful. Those who partake of his mysteries are said to be empowered by the god himself. He remains an inspiration to artists, philosophers and writers even in modern times.