Zeus

The God of Thunder

Zeus is the most powerful ruler in the Greek divine family, but he does not begin life on a throne. His parents are the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Cronus has been warned that one of his children will overthrow him, so he swallows Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades and Poseidon. When Zeus is born, Rhea hides him on Crete and gives Cronus a wrapped stone instead. Different stories describe nymphs, the goat Amalthea and noisy armed dancers protecting the baby until he is grown. Zeus returns and makes Cronus release the swallowed gods. He also frees the Cyclopes and Hundred-Handers, children of Gaia and Uranus who have been imprisoned. The Cyclopes give Zeus his thunderbolt. Poseidon receives the trident and Hades the helm of invisibility. With these allies and weapons, the younger gods defeat the Titans after a ten-year war called the Titanomachy.

After the victory, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades divide important parts of the universe by lot. Zeus receives the sky, Poseidon the sea and Hades the underworld. The Earth and Mount Olympus remain shared areas. Zeus becomes the chief god and is connected with thunder, rain, kingship, justice, oaths, hospitality and protection for strangers. An eagle, an oak tree and the thunderbolt are among his best-known symbols. Zeus is married to Hera, but ancient stories give him many other partners. His children include Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus, Ares and Heracles, although their mothers and birth stories are very different. Zeus often changes shape when approaching mortals or goddesses. These tales can be uncomfortable because he uses his power unfairly. I would not present every action as admirable just because he is king.

Several myths show Zeus dealing with threats to his rule. He defeats the monster Typhon with thunderbolts. During the battle against the Giants, he leads the Olympians with help from Heracles. He also punishes Prometheus for stealing fire and sends a flood in the story of Deucalion and Pyrrha. At other times, he protects guests, hears oaths and settles arguments among gods. Zeus has major sanctuaries at Olympia and Dodona. The Olympic Games were held in his honour, and his temple at Olympia contained a huge seated statue made by Phidias. It was later counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

⬅   Back