Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine, was famously known among the Romans for his interest and fascination with drinking, alcoholism, and partying. He was famous for the Bacchanal festivals, events involving wild parties, which were held in his honor. However, contrary to popular belief that he was a reckless and careless drunkard, the Romans may have seen him as a more thoughtful and caring god. Although Bacchus was famous for being an alcoholic and a party fanatic, he at the same time showed empathy and compassion for those he loved and for the Romans as a whole. This is represented through his journey across the world, his generosity and courage in many myths, and his representation in the twenty-first century. Bacchus' goodwill and benevolence germinated from a young age during his journey around the world. Not many years after his birth, he became enraged when Hera, wife of Zeus, struck him with madness. This resulted in a very unpleasant childhood for him. In anger, he left Mount Olympus and traveled around the world. On his journey he met Cybele, the "mother of the gods", who cured him of his madness and allowed him to continue a more peaceful journey. During the rest of his journey he compassionately taught farming techniques to many villagers. More specifically, while in Asia, he gave lessons on how to grow grapes and cultivate vines. While Bacchus may not have noticed it immediately, he was performing great acts of kindness all along the way, which were the first steps in becoming a benevolent god. His continued benevolence is illustrated through several myths. Bacchus, identical to the Greek god Dionysus, is depicted as compassionate and kind-hearted in many myths... middle of paper... film Fantasy and synopsis of the upcoming play Bacchus in Rehab clearly shows Bacchus as a kind and helpful god . While many see Bacchus as the infamous alcoholic god, it is clear that he can, instead, be seen as a benevolent and caring god. First, during his journey, he compassionately taught ordinary people the art of growing grapes and cultivating vines. Second, he generously granted King Midas the power to turn everything he touched into gold and graciously helped him remove it when he found Midas in danger. In another myth, he sympathetically saved his mother from the underworld. Third, Bacchus has been (and will be) portrayed in film and theater as a sympathetic and caring god who has a need to help others. These depictions of Bacchus show that not only was he not an arrogant and thoughtless drunkard, but also a compassionate and caring Samaritan..