Thiasus

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The Thiasus, in Greek mythology, was the retinue of Dionysus. The most significant members of the Thiasus were the Maenads, which little by little replaced Nymphs. Also included in the retinue were various half-animals, including the Sileni, Pans, and Centaurs.

Heracles followed the Thiasus for a short while following his loss of a drinking contest to Dionysus.

More generally, thiasi were any of the numerous worship cults of Ancient Greece whose existences were protected by law.