A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Ζαγρεύς), a surname of the mystic Dionysus (Διόνυσος χθόνιος), whom Zeus, in the form of a dragon, is said to have begotten by Persephone, previously to her being carried off by Pluto (Callim. Fragm. 171, ed. Bentl.; Etym. Magn. s.v. Orph. Hymn. 29 ; Ov. Met. 6.114 ; Nonnius, Dionys. 6.264). He was torn to pieces by the Titans, though he defended himself bravely, and assumed various forms; and Athena carried his heart to Zeus. (Tzetz. ad Lycoph. 355 ; Lobeck, Aglaopham. p. 547, &c.)

[L.S]