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Olympian Gods » Zeus, the King of the Gods

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Zeus, the King of the Gods in Greek mythology

Cult statue of Zeus , found in the district of Achaia in Peloponnese, Greece. National Archaeological Museum of Athens Greece

quotations about  Zeus "All strangers and beggars are from Zeus, and a gift, though small, is precious."
Homer, The Odyssey

Zeus's representationZeus was the Supreme God in Ancient Greece, father of the Olympian gods and ruler of mankind.

Zeus photo gallery

The Family of Zeus

Zeus was the last child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea and had five older brothers and sisters. All of them had been swallowed by their jealous father; however, Zeus managed to escape the menace and flee. Later on, he would revenge on his father and set his siblings free.
Zeus married his own sister Hera, the goddess of marriage and monogamy, but was giving her plenty of reasons to be jealous, since Zeus was renowned of his numerous love affairs. As a result, Zeus was the father of plenty of children.

Role and Responsibilities

Zeus had his golden throne on the highest summit of Mount Olympus and was respected and awed by all Gods and mortals. He was the "Lord of Justice", punishing anyone who lied or broke an oath, but was fair and always striving to keep a balance of all things.
Furthermore, Zeus was responsible for the weather and was shaping it according to his temper. When in high spirits, Zeus was blessing the world with fine weather; in case of bad mood, however, he would throw rain, winds, lightnings and thunderbolts to cause disaster to the mortals.

But even Zeus' powers had their limits, for, however powerful as he was, he had neither the right nor the ability to intervene the decisions of the Fates.

The Personality of Zeus

Zeus was carefree and loved to laugh out loud[1]. He possessed the perfect knowledge and was just, merciful and prudent. However, he was rather unpredictable, since no one could guess the decisions he would make.

Appearance and Sacred Symbols

Zeus was strong and imposing, with long, oftentimes curly hair

The main symbol of Zeus was the thunderbolt, which was as a gift from the Cyclops because he liberated them. His sacred animal was the eagle.

The Roman name of Zeus is "Jupiter"


Zeus quiz

Myths about Zeus


Monuments of Zeusclick to expand

monuments of Zeus Monuments related to Zeus


Titles of Zeusclick to expand

Zeus was referred to with the epithet(s):

  • Aighiochos("Lord of Thunderstorms")
  • Basileus("King")
  • Erkeios("Defender of the House")
  • Genethlios("Creator of Life")
  • Georgos("farmer")
  • Hypsistos("highest")
  • Orkeios("Patron of the Oath")
  • Philios("Guard of Friendship")
  • Polieus("Patron of the City ("polis")")
  • Promachos("Leader of the Battle")
  • Soter("Saviour")
  • Uranios("heavenly")
  • Urios("Master of the Winds")
  • Xenius("hospitable")

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