Maenads (Ménades)

The name “Maenads” is considered to derive from the Greek term “maimonai” or “enraged”. There are other names for them: Bacchae, Thyiadgs, Bassari. They became known for their practice of the cult of Dionysus (Bacchus) during which they killed Orpheus and Pentheus. They are represented naked or wrapped in deer skins, with garlands of ivy and wielding a bat (thyrsus). The work “Dionysia” by Nono of Panopolis mentions eighteen maenads; three can be pointed out: Trígie or vintager, Accreta or unmixed wine, Mete or drunkenness.


Considera-se que o seu nome deriva do termo grego maimonai ou enfurecido. Existem para elas outras designações: bacantes, tíades, bassáridas. Tornaram-se conhecidas através da sua prática do culto de Dionísio (Baco) durante o qual mataram Orfeu e Penteu. Representam-nas nuas ou envoltas em peles de veado, com grinaldas de hera e empunhando um bastão (tirso). A obra “Dionisíacas” de Nono de Panopolis menciona dezoito, donde se destacam: Trígie ou vindimadora, Acrete ou vinho sem mistura, Mete ou embriaguez.

Macron painter-'maenad'-fragment attic red-figure cup-ca 480 BC Paris-Musée du Louvre (G 160)

Hieron potter-Macron painter-'satyr and maenad'-attic red-figure kylix-Vulci-ca 480 BC München-Antikensammlungen (2654)

Brygos painter-'furious maenad'-attic white-ground kylix krater-Vulci-(380-370 BC) München-Antikensammlungen (2645)

Adolphseck painter-'two satyrs and a maenad'-Apulian red-figure kylix krater (380-370 BC) Paris-Musée du Louvre (K 19)

Amasis painter-'Dionysus and two maenads, one holding a hare'-attic black-figure neck amphora-Vulci-(550-530 BC) Paris-Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Cabinet de Médailles 222)