HANDEL G.F. SEMELE

Supposed to marry Athemas, Semele has instead set her sights on Jupiter, thereby clearing the field for Ino, wholoves Athemas, to step in. Disguised as an eagle, Jupiter transports Semele to his palace on Mount Cithaeron. Juno is furious and jealous of Semele and puts a spell on Jupiter to accept any demand made by Semele. As the ambitious Semele has aspirations to immortality and withstands all his advances until he is forced to honour his vow, Jupiter is obliged to destroy her, much to Junos delight. Apollo announces the Bacchus will rise from Semeles ashes.