This week we are exploring Dionysos as a manifestation of demisexuality.
While scholars have long discussed an asexuality represented in Dionysos, we can be a bit more specific when we detach from asexuality as an academic construct and consider the full asexual spectrum.
Human rituals often represent this, but they are representing the same sexuality of satyrs and nymphs. Dionysos is surrounded by supernatural beings engaging in hypersexuality, while practically never taking part directly. These rituals are often based on mythical narratives.
Pallene was a Thracian princess who engages in a hyper-sexualized wrestling match with Dionysos, yet actual sexual contact is not present in this scene.
Dionysos' first love is their playmate Ampelos, the beautiful satyr. The two frolic in the forest for a time, before Ampelos tragically dies. Then the youth is transformed into the Grapevine. As a result, the Winegod and the Grapevine were together forever after.
Dionysos most famous marriage was to Ariadne. After she was abandoned by Theseus, Dionysos rescues and marries her. The two travel around together and have numerous children. When Ariadne also tragically dies, Dionysos brings her along to Olympus and sets her crown in the stars.
This dynamic is best understood on the spectrum of asexuality, more akin to demisexuality than an academically constructed asexuality. This understanding not only focuses our interpretation and understandings of these stories, it also allows us to better understand the Dionysiac ritual environment.