Pronunciation: [sˈɛmɛl] (IPA) 
"Semele" is a name with a unique spelling that can be a little confusing to pronounce. The correct pronunciation of this word is /sɛmɪli/. The "s" in "Semele" is pronounced like the "s" in "sun," while the "e" is short like in "hem." The middle "m" is pronounced like in "hammer," followed by "i" (short "i" sound like "lift"), and "le" sound (pronounced 'li'). In summary, "Semele" is pronounced SEH-muh-lee.
Semele is a noun that refers to a figure in Greek mythology. In ancient Greek mythology, Semele was a mortal woman and the daughter of the king of Thebes, Cadmus, and the goddess Harmonia. She is known for her love affair with Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. Semele's beauty captivated Zeus, who disguised himself as a mortal and courted her. Their relationship resulted in her becoming pregnant with a child.
However, Semele's story took a tragic turn due to her own curiosity and the machinations of Zeus's jealous wife, Hera. Hera managed to deceive Semele into wishing to see Zeus's true form, even though it was known that any mortal who saw a god's true form would be instantly incinerated. Zeus reluctantly granted Semele's wish, and she perished in the blaze of his divine glory. However, Zeus managed to rescue their unborn child, Dionysus, who later became a prominent god associated with wine, revelry, and fertility.
Throughout history, Semele has been depicted and referenced in various works of art, literature, and music. Her story often serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of human obsession and the consequences of challenging divine power.
The name "Semele" has a Greek origin and is derived from the Greek word "Σεμέλη" (Semélē). In Greek mythology, Semele was a mortal princess and the mother of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities.
The exact etymology of the name "Semele" is uncertain, but some scholars suggest that it may come from the Greek verb "ζεμελαω" (zemelaō), meaning "to make hot" or "to kindle", possibly alluding to the fiery death of Semele.
Interestingly, the Greek name "Semele" shares similarity with Semitic names that also have the "sem" or "shem" root, which means "name" in Semitic languages like Hebrew and Arabic. This similarity might be coincidental, as the linguistic connection is not entirely clear.
