The newest character to be revealed by Rick Riordan for Mark of Athena is Bacchus, the Roman counterpart of Dionysus.
Last week we brought you Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, and speculated about what part she might play in the third installment of the Heroes of Olympus series.
This week, we’ve got Bacchus, seen below wearing a purple shirt and a hat adorned with grape vines. He also holds a staff (called a thyrsus) in one hand and a Diet Pepsi in the other, while sitting on a throne. The more traditional image on the wall behind him is a nice contrast against this modern rendering in front.
Bacchus is the Roman version of Dionysus, the god of wine. According to the official website for the series, he’s also known as “the ultimate party god.” He’s described as drinking too much diet soda and as frequently lacking in motivation. However, it’s hinted that he might play an important role soon, coming in handy for the demigods when they need him most.
We’ve met a son of Bacchus in The Lost Hero, named Dakota. Dakota is friends with Jason, Hazel, and Frank. He’s also the leader of the fifth cohort, which Percy ends up joining soon after arriving at Camp Jupiter. Dakota, as the son of the wine god, has an addictive personality and is subsequently hooked on red Kool-Aid. The extra sugar, coupled with his ADHD, makes it appear as though he is always intoxicated.
So, how does Bacchus differ from the Dionysus we all know and love from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series? According to the mythology, Bacchus is more militaristic and more disciplined than his counterpart. Although, the description that Riordan provides indicates that we can still expect similar antics from Bacchus that we became familiar with from Dionysus.
And where Mr. D likes to play pinochle, Mr. B prefers Pac-Man. It also appears that the Romans prefer Pepsi over the Coke that Dionysus is so often seen with.
Look for Mark of Athena on October 2.