Facts about the ancient god Zeus

Zeus is one of the central heroes of Greek mythology, in Roman times he was known as Jupiter. He is the god of sky, thunder and lightning. Zeus rules the world and all the Olympian gods are subject to him. He is so popular in the world that his name is still used in all walks of life: art, gambling, marketing and more. The website https://whoiszeus.ca/ has all the information about Zeus in mythology and today.

The story of Zeus' rise begins with the murder of his father Kronos. Cronus was so much afraid of losing power that he swallowed every child born to his wife Rhea. When Zeus was born, Rhea hid him and presented Cronus with a stone wrapped in a diaper. The Titan did not unravel the deception and swallowed it.

Zeus grew up and decided to take revenge on his cruel father. He gave him a drink of honey mixed with mustard and salt. Cronus then vomited up all the children he had swallowed. The great war Titanomachy broke out in which Zeus killed Kronos and became the supreme god of Olympus.

Although antiquity has long since passed, the name Zeus is still very well known. He is so colourful and interesting a character that even in the 21st century restaurants, cinemas, companies of all kinds and much more are called after him. In addition, the myths of Zeus are truly fascinating, and they can fascinate even modern people who are satiated with Hollywood movies, various serials and glossy magazines.

Mythology

The ancient Greeks believed that Zeus distributed good and evil on Earth, that it was he who instilled a sense of shame and conscience in humans, created laws and gave mankind a royal power.

This god often acts as the supreme punitive force, resolving the most difficult disputes between the inhabitants of Olympus and between mortals. However, like any other ancient god, Zeus is no stranger to simple human feelings, weaknesses and vices. For example, he was extremely amorous: he had three "official" wives (Metida, Themis and Hera), as well as many lovers (some myths mention a lover too). He once seduced Demeter, goddess of earth and fertility, by turning himself into a bull. Anyway, we can talk about his love affairs endlessly. 

Zeus was a very prolific father, he had over 90 children, from both immortal and mortal women. Among his heirs there are 9 Muses, goddesses of science and art, deities Eros, Hephaestus, Athena, Hermes, etc., heroes Perseus, Hercules and many others.

Zeus is often irascible and irrepressible, he likes to cut off his shoulders, like mortals he is not always able to resist his fate. 

The cult of Zeus in the world

There are still places in the world today dedicated to the ancient Greek god Zeus. The most famous are:

1. The Temple of Zeus in Olympia. This building was built between 471 and 456 BC and housed one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a golden statue of the main god of Olympus. At the moment the temple is almost completely destroyed and the statue has not been preserved either, there is only a Roman monument of Jupiter, close in appearance to it, which is now kept in the Hermitage. Nevertheless, admirers of the thunderer and lovers of antique history enjoy visiting the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.
2. The Cave of Ideon. According to myths, this is where baby Zeus was hidden from his bloodthirsty father. The cave is located on Crete at a height of over one and a half meters. If you visit this amazing island, be sure to visit the Cradle of Thunder.
3.  The city of Dodona. In ancient times, it was famous for the oracle, which served the temple of Zeus, then lost in popularity to Delphi. Still, the city remains one of the most striking places for the cult of Zeus.

The cult of the ancient Greek god is also reflected in painting - many artists depicted the god of thunder on their canvases. The most famous paintings are:

• Charles Van Loo's Jupiter and Antiopa. The French painter depicts the scene of Zeus visiting one of his many lovers, Antiopa. She gives birth to the thunderer Amphryon and Zephas. It is interesting, that in this picture Zeus is represented not as a stately, severe man, but as an old man, in love with a young, beautiful girl.
• М. Denis "In the presence of the gods Jupiter grants immortality to Psyche and celebrates her marriage to Cupid". This is the fifth panel in the series "The Story of Psyche". It shows very well the character of Zeus - his majesty and fatherly attitude to everyone and everything.
• Н. The Feeding of Jupiter by Poussin. This painting shows an episode from the early childhood of the future lord of all men and gods.

Movies, games and TV series

Of course, the film and games industry just couldn't ignore such a colourful character as Zeus. He appears in many films and cartoons:

• Percy Jackson.
• Thor: Love and Thunder
• Hercules
• Clash of the Titans.
• Rage of the Titans and so on.

There are also computer games dedicated to the thunderer:

Zeus: Master of Olympus (allows the player to feel like Zeus and build their own city)

1. God Of War 
2. Age Of Mythology 
3. Quest of Titan
4. Hades and many others.