3 Gods of Mischief and Merriment

A university campus is an oddly appropriate place for gods of mischief and bacchanalian revelry to dwell. Indeed, if you look closely enough, you will find representations of both Bacchus and Pan adorning buildings on campus.

Partying with Bacchus at Owen Hall

Perhaps portending Indiana University’s reputation as a party school, Bacchus has been a part of the current Bloomington campus since the beginning. He is depicted among peacocks and grapes on a decoration adorning the east gable of Owen Hall, one of the two original campus buildings built in 1884 (these buildings, Owen and Wylie Halls, are easy to spot because they are the only two buildings constructed of brick in the oldest part of the campus).

Playing with Pan at Merrill Hall

In 1936, Merrill Hall was built to house the Indiana University School of Music, and it was then that the god of mischief (and music) joined the god of merriment. A stylized carving of Pan can be found just above the main door of Merrill Hall.