Character of Zeus
Zeus is the king of the gods in Greek mythology and the ruler of Mount Olympus. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea, and is the youngest of his siblings. Known as the god of thunder and lightning, he is often portrayed as holding a lightning bolt in his hand which is both his weapon and a tool to punish with.
As ruler of the gods and mortals, his responsibility is to maintain order and balance in the world and upholding the laws of the gods. In many myths, Zeus is portrayed as a wise and just ruler. However, he is also known for his quick temper and tendency to punish those who defy him. He is known to love much, which led him to having many affairs and tensions in his marriage, as well, as illegitimate children.
As the god of thunder and lightning, Zeus is also associated with natural disasters and the power of the elements. He is often depicted as a fierce and formidable figure, capable of unleashing powerful storms and causing earthquakes. In many myths, Zeus uses his powers to punish those who defy him or to protect those who are in need.
Some Myths about Zeus
One of the most well-known myths involving Zeus is the story of how he defeated his father Cronus and took control of the universe. Cronus was a cruel and tyrannical ruler, and Zeus led a rebellion against him with the help of his siblings. After a long and fierce battle, Zeus defeated Cronus and took his place as the king of the gods.
Another famous myth involving Zeus is the story of the Trojan War, a ten year battle between the gods. It is most notably found in Homer’s “the Iliad” (7th century B.C.). Greek mythology says that the war was exasperated because Zeus thought the earth was overpopulated. He also used it as an excuse to rid the earth of his demigod descendants.
The war originated between the three goddesses Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena. They argued over a golden apple which was given to “the fairest of them all.” It was created by Eris, the Goddess of Discord, and is known as the Apple of Discord.
Zeus’ Family Members
Zeus is married to his sister and goddess, Hera. They had many children together including: Ares, Have, and Hephaestus. Because of his many affairs, Zeus also had many illegitimate children such as: Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Hermes. His siblings are Hera, Hades, Hestia, Poseidon, Demeter, and Chiron.
Many of the Roman gods were characterized from the Greek gods. For example, Zeus’ equivalent in Roman mythology is Jupiter. You can read more about the differences between Greek and Roman gods in this article: “What is the difference between the Greek and Roman gods?”
For Further Study
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“The Iliad” by Homer (Check it out on Amazon)
“Classical Mythology A to Z: An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places” (Check it out on Amazon)