s), in Greek religion and mythology, son and 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. Rhea gave him a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes which he devoured immediately, not suspecting that the infant Zeus still lived. Later, Zeus tricked Kronos into disgorging his brothers and sisters and led them in a successful revolt against their father (see Titan Titan, in Greek religion and mythology, one of 12 primeval deities. The female Titan is also called Titaness. The Titans—six sons and six daughters—were the children of Uranus and Gaea...... Click the link for more information. ). 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 an amorous god. His first mate was probably Dione, but his official consort was his sister, Hera, who bore him Ares and Hebe. Zeus also loved Themis, Eurynome, Demeter, Mnemosyne, Leto, and Maia and fathered many gods. Famous among his mortal loves were Danaë, Leda, Semele, Thetis, Io, and Europa. His sons sired from mortal wives include Hercules, Dardanus, and Amphitryon. He was also the father of Athena, who was said to have sprung from his head. Supreme among the gods, Zeus, ruling from his court on Mt. Olympus, was the symbol of power, rule, and law. As the father god and the upholder of morality, he rewarded the good and punished the evil. The root meaning of Zeus is "bright" or "sky," and in this sense he was god of weather and fertility. Thus he was worshiped in connection with almost every aspect of life. The most famous weapon of Zeus was the thunderbolt, but, according to some legends, he also possessed the aegis aegis , in Greek mythology, weapon of Zeus and Athena. It possessed the power to terrify and disperse the enemy or to protect friends. The aegis was usually described as a garment made of goatskin slung over the shoulder or as a piece of armor.
..... Click the link for more information. . The Romans equated Zeus with their own supreme god, Jupiter (or Jove).
Bibliography
See A. B. Cook, Zeus (3 vol., 1914–40).
Zeus
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Zeus
| Zeus - Berkeley Yacc |
Zeus
in ancient Greek mythology, the supreme deity and ruler of gods and men. Son of the Titans Cronos and Rhea.
Having overthrown Cronos and the Titans, the gods of the older generation, Zeus yielded his dominion over the sea and the underworld to his brothers Poseidon and Hades. He retained for himself supreme rule over the world and control of all celestial phenomena, primarily thunder and lightning (Zeus the Thunderbolt, Zeus the Cloud Gatherer). Zeus was worshipped as the guardian of the social order and of the family; to him is attributed the establishment of laws and customs. His permanent dwelling place was considered to be Olympus (Zeus the Olympian). Zeus’ symbols were the aegis, the scepter, and sometimes the eagle. As the being who be-stowed victory in war and contests, he was depicted with Nike, the goddess of victory (Roman, Victoria) in his hand. Zeus was considered to be the father of the younger generation of Olympian gods, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Athena, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hephaestus, Dionysus, Hebe, Iris, and Persephone, as well as the muses, graces, and many heroes, including Hercules and Perseus. Many famous aristocratic clans traced their descent from Zeus. The most important places for the worship of Zeus were Dodona (Epirus) and Olympia (Elis), where the Olympian games were held in honor of Zeus. Various episodes from the myth of Zeus are contained in the Iliad, the Odyssey, Hesiod’s Theogony, Apollodorus’Mythological Library, and other ancient works.
In ancient Roman mythology Zeus is identified with Jupiter.
REFERENCE
Cook, A. B. Zeus: A Study in Ancient Religion, vols. 1–3. Cambridge, 1914–40.M. N. BOTVINNIK
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