Dionysus is the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility, theater, and ritual madness. He is often associated with the cultivation of grapevines and the production of wine, symbolizing joy, ecstasy, and revelry. As the son of Zeus and the mortal Semele, Dionysus embodies the duality of civilization and wildness, and he is celebrated in various festivals, most notably the Dionysia, which featured performances of tragedy and comedy. His myths often explore themes of transformation and the breaking of societal norms.