|
Son of Cronus and Rhea. Husband of Hera. Brother to Hades and
Poseidon.
As supreme god, Zeus dealt severely with any friction
or challenge to his authority by deities and mortals alike.
Later his character mellowed as Greek society evolved
to become more civilised and moral.
His popularity never waned like some major gods of
other mythologies, and the only forces more powerful were the nebulous
gods and goddesses of Creation.
Despite his power and judgement, Zeus had a compromisingly
human nature and was not beyond changing his shape to pursue numerous
mortal women, and punish the presumption of mortal men.
He was the father of countless children, mortal and
immortal, who became a rich source of legends. The offspring of Zeus
(Jupiter) included the gods and goddesses Apollo, Athene, Artemis, and
semi-mortals Argos, Perseus, Dionysus, Pollux, Helen and Hercules.
Zeus assumed the form of many animals in his nefarious
enterprises, though was usually depicted as a strong man with curling
hair and a beard.
|
