Following the torches as they dipped and swayed in the darkness, they climbed mountain paths with head thrown back and eyes glazed, dancing to the beat of the drum which stirred their blood' or staggered drunkenly with what was known as the 'Dionysos gait'. In this state of ekstasis or enthusiasmos, they abandoned themselves, dancing wildly and shouting ΕΥΟΙ! and at that moment of intense rapture became identified with the god himself. They became filled with his spirit and acquired divine powers.
Extracted from The Papyroi of Iakkhos
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