In their mad possessed dances the maenads, following in the train of Dionysus, destroyed whatever man or animal crossed their paths, even sometimes tearing their own children limb from limb. The myth is that Dionysus was refused recognition in certain countries and by certain rulers. In revenge for this he drove the women mad. Psychologically this is a fascinating story because it suggests that the Dionysian aspect of life if not recognised can become horribly destructive and erupt in the most brutal and mindless kind of behaviour.