The Bacchae Episode 5: The Horrific Death of Pentheus

👹Pentheus is convinced to climb a pine tree to get a better view of the Bacchae women, but it ultimately exposes him to their wrath.

🚀Dionysus performs an incredible feat by pulling down the top of a tree for Pentheus to climb, showcasing his divine power.

😱Once Pentheus is exposed, the Bacchae women descend upon him, led by his own mother, Agave.

💀Agave tears off Pentheus' arm, and the other women viciously tear him apart, scattering pieces of his body.

🦁Agave carries Pentheus' head as a trophy, not recognizing that it belongs to her own son.

How does Pentheus meet his death in The Bacchae?

—Pentheus is torn apart by the Bacchae women, led by his own mother Agave, after being exposed while watching them from a tree.

Who is Dionysus and what is his role?

—Dionysus is the god of wine and revelry, and he plays a central role in seeking revenge against Pentheus for denying his divinity.

Why does Pentheus climb the pine tree?

—Pentheus climbs the pine tree to have an unobstructed view of the Bacchae women, underestimating the danger he puts himself in.

How does Agave react to seeing Pentheus?

—Agave becomes enraged and joins the other Bacchae women in tearing Pentheus apart, not recognizing that it is her own son.

What is the significance of Pentheus' death?

—Pentheus' death symbolizes the downfall of a tyrant and the power of divine retribution, highlighting the consequences of denying and disrespecting the gods.

00:13The second messenger arrives and declares Pentheus is dead.

00:26Pentheus, Dionysus, and Pentheus' servants hide in a grove of pine trees to watch the Bacchae women.

00:39Pentheus proposes to climb to the top of a nearby pine tree for a better view.

00:50Dionysus performs an extraordinary feat by pulling down the tree for Pentheus to climb.

01:01Pentheus is exposed to the Bacchae women and they descend upon him.

01:14Pentheus pleads with his mother, Agave, to recognize him, but she doesn't.

01:31Agave rips off Pentheus' arm and the other women tear him apart.

01:47Agave carries Pentheus' head like a trophy, unaware that it is her own son.