The stories of Greek mythology are entirely fascinating and thought provoking. Nevertheless, these myths have become so popularized because of the teachings found within the strengths and battles of each Greek figure. The chronicled lives of Greek gods and goddesses is a compilation of oral stories that have been passed from generation to generation.1 Although these didactic stories are all intriguing, one compelling one is the upbringing of Zeus, God of the Sky and the King of the Gods. Zeus’s admiration and notorious reputation in Olympus was not an easily achieved title. He endured various struggles throughout young adulthood within himself, his family, and those who sought for control.2 Despite great obstacles, Zeus fulfilled a destiny that would lead him to reign over Olympus.
Son of Cronus and Rhea, Zeus was the last-born child of six siblings. His father, Cronus, managed to seize domination of the skies from his own father, Ouranos, and was cautious that his actions would repeat itself with his own children. To prevent a detestable takeover before his death, Cronus consumed his children Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon. Luckily, Rhea, Cronus’s wife, spared Zeus by giving her partner a stone wrapped in a blanket.3 Assisted by Titans, Uranus and Gaea, Rhea managed to send her son to Mount Dikte, on a Greek island in Crete, so that he would be far away from his father’s tyrannical greed. Zeus was nurtured by Nymphs, or divine spirits, and was fed by Amaltheia, a goat nurse, that acquired milk for him through one of her cracked horns.4 His unknowing escape resulted in Zeus’s ignorance regarding his powers and potential ability to be the God of all Gods.
As his coming of age grew closer, Zeus’s powers became increasingly dominant, and could not go unnoticed. Since Zeus was unaware of his true beginnings, and was raised by Amaltheia, he held great adoration toward her. On one occasion, Amaltheia got trapped on a tree branch, and in her attempt to become untangled, her horn broke off. She proceeded to fill the horn with fruits and handed it over to Zeus as a keepsake of protection. To show her his appreciation, he transformed Amaltheia’s horn into a cornucopia. Symbolically, this is the “horn of plenty,” and has all the food and drink that the owner desires.5 Having the cornucopia in his possession, Zeus’s powers increased, and fruits were never scarce, becoming richer than they were before. Gaea noticed Zeus’s extraordinary powers, and she entrusted to him his fate to overthrow his father for his total rule.
Upon learning of his origins, Zeus returned to gain control of Olympus from Cronus. Initially, Zeus got his father to eat a special herb, which caused him to eject Zeus’s siblings from his stomach.6 Ungovernable Titans wanted to battle for jurisdiction over all Olympian gods, and a decade-long battle emerged, which came to be known as Titanomachy. The Titans were siblings of Cronus, and Zeus gained assistance from a cyclops. The cyclops provided Zeus with his signature lightning bolt, and Zeus’s brothers, Poseidon and Hades, managed to take supreme authority from Cronus.7 Much of Zeus’s struggles came to him when he realized that he possessed his supernatural powers. Fortunately, he instinctively chose to do what was morally right, while being able to implement his powers on others.
Ultimately, Zeus and his brothers chose to rule over distinct parts of the cosmos. Zeus secured the heavens, Poseidon ruled the seas, and Hades became lord of the underworld.8 The limitations that Cronus once wished to deprive Zeus of were no longer an obstacle. According to Homer, Zeus reigned at the top of Mount Olympus, where he observed the affairs of men.9 Zeus also married his sister, Hera, and embodied the divine dimension of the code of ethics that ancient Greeks aspired to live by. Artistically, Zeus is characterized as a bearded and honorable man. When the topic of Greek gods and mythology arises, it is typical for one to envision Zeus and his lightning bolt.
- Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2017, s.v. “Zeus(Deity),” by Trudy Mercadal. ↵
- Elaine Margery, Greek Mythology: Ancient Myths of the Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes-Zeus, Hercules and the Olympians (n.p., 2016), 30. ↵
- Russel Robert, Zeus (Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc., 2008), 10. ↵
- Robin Waterfield, The Greek Myths (London: Quercus, 2013), 6. ↵
- Karoly Kerenyi, The God’s of the Greeks (London: Thames and Hudson, 2006), 3. ↵
- Elaine Margery, Greek Mythology: Ancient Myths of the Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes-Zeus, Hercules and the Olympians (n.p., 2016), 23. ↵
- Russel Robert, Zeus (Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc., 2008), 33. ↵
- Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2017, s.v. “Zeus(Deity),” by Trudy Mercadal. ↵
- Russel Robert, Zeus (Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc., 2008), 15. ↵
85 comments
Bictor Martinez
I have always been fascinated by Greek mythology. I have heard many stories among the Greek Gods, but never with this much description for the almighty Zeus. I never heard how evil Cronus, the father of Zeus, was towards him and his siblings. How can one man consume his own children. How evil does one man have to be? However, of course Zeus has to come save the day so that he can be forever known as the Gods of All Gods. Every thing in someone’s life has a purpose and Zeus happened to find his.
Cooper Dubrule
I know some information about Greek mythology, but this article really cleared some ambiguous space that I had about beginnings and the origins of Zeus. I really liked how the intro of this article flows into the chronological story of how Zeus got more powerful and overcame obstacles to eventually become the highest power. Its interesting to see the irony in this story as a whole and I really think the author was able to portray that well.
Esperanza Rojas
I really enjoyed this article as a whole, the writing and the story itself. I never was all too interest in the Greek mythology and assumed that Zeus took the world by force rather than saved it. This story gave me an understanding to the background of Zeus and it was genuinely interesting to find out that his father would solve his conflict by eating his children. To think that Zeus was humble but noble enough to challenge his father was odd to hear about since I was always assuming that all “Gods” were naturally brutal and took what they wanted by force. the article gave clear information as to what did and his growth to a god that is still worshiped.
Samire Adam
It was very pleasant to read about the origin story the Greek God, Zeus. My only knowledge of Zeus thus far is regarding other Greek mythology, and in those story’s, we’re not really offer the backstory of the God of all Gods. In these stories, he is often times painted as a difficult God to please and is in fact the root of most of the problem. The article is beautifully written.
Ysenia Rodriguez
Although these stories are labeled as myths, I still thoroughly enjoy learning about the Greek gods. This article payed more attention to details when it came to discussing Zeus’s coming of age story, such as mentioning the creation of cornucopia and Zeus’s signature lightening bolt. I also found it very ironic that Cronus attempted to stop his children from repeating the same actions he took when seizing his power as ruler of the skies from his father, Ouranos, but in the end, even a Titan could not turn his back on fate. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Matthew Bustamante
I have always wanted to have a better knowledge of Greek mythology. Being a Roman Catholic it is almost a duty to find Truth in other religions even if it be only partially manifested. Greek mythology is something beautiful in the sense that it shows man’s longing for meaning and the transcendent. This article on Zeus and his story was very fascinating.
Alexis Martinez
This was amazing! I have never delved deep into the realms of Greek mythology but this makes me want to read into it more. I love how you went into depth about his origin and went down the line regarding his life. I also love how you were very straightforward in your writing, in the times where you were very descriptive it matched the tone very nicely.
Eric Ortega Rodriguez
This article is amazing! I will be honest by stating that I have never looked into Greek mythology. However, after reading this article, I want to know more about this topic. I love how this article begins with Zeus’s roots and informs the reader very well about his origin. I enjoyed learning about Zeus especially how he was able to eject his siblings out of his father. I also love that Zeus used his powers for good which is something that can be admired through generations.
Ethan Rodriguez
Greek mythology is undoubtedly one of the most interesting topics in history. In the beginning of the article I thought you opened it up nicely and the style of writing helped me understand just a tad better about the relationship of the people. The vernacular you used made the read much more interesting as well as enjoyable. I am fascinated by Greek Mythology and was happy with the article throughout. I will look for more articles in the future!
Mariana Gonzalez
I have always had trouble understanding mythology because of the way they are always explained to me but this article was truly great! Now I understand Zeus and the story behind him. Its crazy to think that a father would it his kids just so that he wouldn’t lose his power the way he obtained his. I love the the relation ship he had with Amaltheia, how he was nurtured by her and how he turned her horn into a cornucopia.