Zeus

Revision as of 22:26, 1 May 2005 by Chobbs (talk | contribs)

Zeus, the King of the Gods and Husband of Hera. Zeus is the successor of Kronos as supreme god. His mother, Rhea, immediately after his birth concealed him from Kronos, who, because he was fated to be overthrown by one of his children, ate all his offspring. Zeus tricked Kronos into disgorging his brothers and sisters and led them in a successful revolt against their father. When lots were cast to divide the universe, the underworld went to Hades, the sea to Poseidon, and the heavens and earth to Zeus.

Zeus was the god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods. He is lord of the sky, the rain god. His weapon is a thunderbolt which he hurls at those who displease him. Although he is married to Hera he is famous for his many affairs. He is also known to punish those that lie or break oaths. He was the rain god, and the cloud gatherer, who wielded the terrible thunderbolt. His breastplate was the aegis, his bird the eagle, his tree the oak. He is represented as the god of justice and mercy, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked.

Zeus5001.jpg


Carlos Parada, Greek Mythology Link, http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/

Lamm, R., (2004). The Humanities in Western Culture Revised 4th ed. Brief Version Hong Kong: McGraw Hill.