Διονύσου γοναί (fr. 11) 81
of possibilities for a comic adaptation, e.g. Dionysus is mistakenly placed
elsewhere or Zeus gives birth (suggested by Nesselrath 1995. 5, comparing Luc.
DDeor. 12). Other possibilities include the seduction of Semele, with the birth
of Dionysus being the culmination of the story (Nesslerath 1995. 5 compares
hBacch. 6-7 and suggests a plot involving Zeus’ infidelity and Hera’s jealousy),
or the story of the infant Dionysus being cared for by nymphs at Nysa (vari-
ously located; cf. Richardson 1974 on hCer. 17), where a vine, seemingly drip-
ping with wine, grew in a single day (cf. S. fr. 255 with Pearson 1917 ad loc.·,
E. Ph. 229-31 with Mastronarde 1994 ad loc.\ suggesting a utopian fantasy.
Date The play probably took second place at the Lenaia sometime after 364
BC; see on test. 5.