Dionysus was the god of wine and inspired madness, and a major figure of Greek mythology. He represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficial influences. The geographical origins of his cult were unknown, but almost all myths depicted him as having "foreign" (i.e. non-Greek) origins. He is the patron deity of agriculture and the theatre. He was also known as the Liberator (Eleutherios), freeing one from one's normal self, by madness, ecstasy, or wine.  The divine mission of Dionysus was to mingle the music of the aulos (ancient Greek oboe) and to bring an end to care and worry.  Scholars have discussed Dionysus' relationship to the "cult of the souls" and his ability to preside over communication between the living and the dead.  He is described as being womanly or "man-womanish," and is often depicted with the panther, the satyr, and grapes on a vine.