Summary

In Chapter 16, when Ariadne returned to the cottage, she was shocked to find the courtyard branches replenished with grapes. Then the fountain filled with fresh water. Convinced these miracles were a gift from a god, Ariadne offered the last of her wine in thanks. Then the fountain’s water turned to wine. Ariadne “gaped, dumbstruck” (130). She wondered why she had been saved. When she looked again at the approaching shift, she saw it burst forth with vines and grapes.

Ariadne soon learned the handsome man on board was the god Dionysus. She wondered if he had come to punish her (133). Once she met Dionysus, however, she “felt a flicker of hope” (134). He was kind and welcoming. He said Naxos belonged to him, thanking Ariadne for caring for his home while he was away.

In Chapter 17, when Dionysus and Ariadne arrived at the cottage...