Silenus
Silenus, the teacher and faithful companion of the wine-god Dionysus.
- Gender – Male
- Race – Seilenos
- Occupation – Tutor
- Religion – Hellenic Pantheon
- Allies – Dionysus
- Enemies –
- Abode/ Base of operations – Kingdom of Nysa
- Nationality –
- Languages –
- Alignment – Chaotic Neutral
- Affiliation (s) – Dionysian retinue
- Significant others – Hermaphroditus (Consort), Pan (Father)
A notorious consumer of wine, he was usually drunk and had to be supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus is the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and the young god’s tutor.
When intoxicated, Silenus was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy. The Phrygian King Midas was eager to learn from Silenus and caught the old man by lacing a fountain from which Silenus often drank. As Silenus fell asleep, the king’s servants seized and took him to their master.
Silenus shared with the king a pessimistic philosophy: that the best thing for a man is not to be born, and if born, should die as soon as possible.