Semele, Bacchus, and the Judgement of Paris Myths

Semele's Wish and the Birth of Bacchus

Semele, daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, beloved of Jupiter, conceived a child. The terrible Juno, angry and blinded by jealousy, decided to punish the girl for the outrage caused and assumed the appearance of old Beroe, Semele's nurse. The queen of the gods thus appeared to Semele, who, believing her to be her nurse, began to talk to her until the conversation turned to the king of the gods. Beroe then warned the girl not to trust the god and urged her to require proof of his true identity, suggesting that Semele request Jupiter appear before her as he does with Juno.

After some time, Semele, remembering the old woman's words, asked Jupiter, who offered her a gift, for a favor, and the god promised to grant her whatever she wished. So Semele begged him to reveal himself in all his power. Jupiter, in desperation, was forced to perform what had been asked and introduced himself armed with his lightning bolt to Semele. She could not withstand the immense blaze and burned. However, Jupiter managed to save the child she carried in her womb, extracting it and sewing it into his own thigh. After the required time, Bacchus was born, who is therefore called *'twice-born'*.

The Judgement of Paris and the Golden Apple

Paris was the son of Hecuba and Priam, king of Troy, and brother of Hector. Shortly before his birth, it was predicted to Hecuba that the son she carried in her womb would one day cause the destruction of Troy. The frightened queen abandoned the child on Mount Ida, where he was raised by shepherds. Later, Paris was recognized by his father, who welcomed him, restoring his status as a prince.

Paris is remembered for the episode of the famous judgement that caused the Trojan War. Legend has it that during the wedding feast of Peleus and Thetis, Eris, the goddess of discord, offended at not being invited, threw onto the table of the gods a golden apple with the inscription "To the fairest". Immediately, a dispute arose between Juno, Minerva, and Venus, who fought for the gift.

To settle the dispute, Jupiter instructed Mercury to go to Mount Ida and hand the apple to Paris, who was to choose the most beautiful among the rivals. The goddesses appeared before Paris and tried to bribe him to obtain the apple:

• Juno promised the young man sovereignty over all Asia.
• Minerva promised wisdom and victory in battle.
• Venus promised the love of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world.

Paris chose Venus and gave the apple to the goddess of love.