Zeus

Introduction

Zeus in Greek mythology, known as the Father, was the king of the Olympian gods. He was also known for offering signs and delivering justice and was able to control the weather and ensure that order was maintained. Zeus is the sky and thunder god of ancient Greece. His name is derived from the element of Jupiter, which is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god. His powers are similar to those of other Indo – European deities like Jupiter, Perkūnas, Perun, Indra, and Dyaus.

There were only a few festivals celebrating Zeus, such as the Diasia of Athens. Although he was the head of the Greek pantheon, he was not associated with specific cities but he was known to protect the family’s property and its contents where he was worshipped. Most households would have an altar dedicated to Zeus Herkeios in their courtyard.

Physical Traits

Zeus was known to carry a sceptre in one hand and a thunderbolt in the other. He was well built and is often easily identifiable by his flowing beard that is usually shown as being white depicting his age and wisdom. He was also known to wear a crown of oak leaves, which was regarded as his sacred tree. In Homer’s The Odyssey, he often carried an enormous shield known as the Aegis with him, which he often used to protect his daughter Athena. He also has a pet named Aetos Dios, a giant golden eagle.

Family

Although he married the Titan Metis and Hera, he was known for his adulterous ways and was also known to transform himself into various forms to bed his prey. He was also known to create various races, such as the Macedonians and the Magnesians and also known to transform ants into Myrmidons for his son, Aiakos.

His children include Hephaistos, Ares, Hebe, Eileithyia, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysos, Hercules, Perseus, Persephone, Iacchus, The Fates, the Hours, Horae (Seasons), Eunomia (Lawfulness), Dike (Justice), Eirene (Peace), Helen, the Dioskouroi, Polydeuces, Aglaea (Splendour), Euphrosyne (Joy), Thalia (Good Cheer), Minos, Rhadamanthys, Sarpedon, Epaphos, Iasion, Arcas and the nine Muses.

Other Names

Zeus has been known by many names throughout his existence, poems, epics and recorded history. Some of the common ones include Aphesios, Dylsios and Hypatos.

Powers and Abilities

From his position on Mount Olympus, he was believed to be able to see everything that happened in the world and punish those who did wrong. Aside from being a king, he was also known to protect the homes, the streets, and the people who came to visit him.

He also wielded the power over thunder and lightning and frequently punished wrongdoers and his enemies by striking them down with them. Being the most powerful god, he could accomplish and control anything except his insatiable lust and was known to shapeshift, deceive and lie to get his way with women. He also ruled over the other gods, demigods and hybrids in the pantheon and was the supreme leader of Greek cosmology

Modern Day Influence

Zeus is a popular character in many modern and traditional art forms. He has been the source of inspiration for many painters and sculptors in the Renaissance Age and there are numerous representations in ancient literary classics as well.

In modern times, he has been featured in multiple movies, tv shows, music videos, cartoons, comics and video games. Zeus in the bull form can also be found on the Greek 2-euro coin and on the United Kingdom identity card for visa holders.