In Greek mythology, a thyrsus or thyrsos was a giant fennel staff covered with ivy vines and leaves and topped with a pine cone. The thyrsus is a composite symbol of the forest (pine cone) and the farm (fennel). It was associated with Dionysus (or Bacchus) and his followers, the Satyrs and Maenads. Sometimes the thyrsus was displayed in conjunction with a wine cup, forming a male-and-female combination like that of the royal scepter and orb. Greek mythology comprises the collected legends of Greek gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines, originally created and spread within an oral-poetic tradition. ... Bacchus by Caravaggio The god Dionysus is occasionally confused with one of several historical figures named Dionysius, a theophoric name that simply means [servant] of Dionysus. ... Bacchus by Caravaggio The god Dionysus is occasionally confused with one of several historical figures named Dionysius, a theophoric name that simply means [servant] of Dionysus. ... Satyrs (Satyri) in Greek mythology are half-man half-beast nature spirits that haunted the woods and mountains, companions of Pan and Dionysus. ... In Greek mythology, Maenads [MEE-nads] were female worshippers of Dionysus, the Greek god of mystery, wine and intoxication. ...