Zagreus
(
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.)
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L.S]