Sep 02 2009
Unique Halloween Costumes: Maenads in ‘True Blood’ and Mythology
Maenads have become a hot topic in the world of costume and mythology thanks to the appearance of one on the HBO series True Blood. (Check out Merry Meet if you want to know more about maenads.)
Mythological costumes are always fun because they are based on old/legendary descriptions and images, allowing freedom for the costumer’s imagination.
The Traditional Maenad
Mythological maenads are female followers of Dionysus. They enjoy nature and are characterized by a vine-covered wooden stick known as a thrysus. To dress as a maenad of mythology, consider the following costume elements:
- Greek toga-style garment (tied securely for modesty)
- Thrysus constructed of a smoothed stick. Wrap with fake vines from a craft store and use a hot glue gun to attach a pine cone.
- Tousled hair
- Bottle of wine (non-alcoholic option: apple or grape juice in a wine bottle)
- Leafy crown
- Crude looking (fake) exotic animal skins or pelts
Maryann Forrester - True Blood’s Maenad
Maryann Forrester, who is outed as a maenad on True Blood, tends to wear modern dresses–with a twist. Most of her sun dresses have cuts and patterns that could pass for classy modern with a Grecian twist. Aside from the dress, Maryann maenad costumes can have:
- Dark, tousled hair
- Evident makeup
- Fake human heart
- Brass jewelry including many bangles
The Maryann maenad is a great idea as part of a True Blood ensemble (see Sookie Stackhouse costume).
