Questions tagged [zeus]

The supreme sky god of Greek mythology.

The supreme sky god of greek mythology.

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Why did Zeus assume so many different forms for seduction?

The character of Zeus is well-known for seducing many women, both human and goddesses. In many of these stories, Zeus assumes a form other than his true self. The most famous is perhaps Leda - it is said that Zeus seduced her in the form of a swan…
Luna
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What did Danae want?

It's well known the story of Acrisius and Danae; Acrisius wants male children, and the oracle says he won't have any, but he'll have a grandson who kills him. So he locks Danae up in a prison, and Zeus impregnates her with a golden shower.…
durron597
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Why is rape featured so prominently in Greek mythology?

This question may be a little controversial so try to keep your answers as academically as possible. (take an example from @DukeZhou ) If on the subject general answers are also accepted I am familiar with the fact that this happened in pretty much…
Tom Sol
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How did Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades decide who would rule what?

From Wikipedia article on Hades: Zeus got the sky, Poseidon got the seas, and Hades received the underworld, the unseen realm to which the souls of the dead go upon leaving the world as well as any and all things beneath the earth. I had read…
Ero Sɘnnin
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Which cities had chthonic Zeus cults?

The Wikipedia article on Zeus tells us (emphasis mine): Although etymology indicates that Zeus was originally a sky god, many Greek cities honored a local Zeus who lived underground. Athenians and Sicilians honored Zeus Meilichios ("kindly" or…
yannis
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Was Poseidon actually jealous of Zeus?

In Age of Mythology, there is a lot of fairly accurate background info on all the Gods and lore present in the game. Obviously the story itself is fabricated, but is based around accurate lore. It's woven around events such as the siege of Troy, the…
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Looking for an obscure myth where Zeus kills one of Apollo's male lovers

I remember reading a myth as a child, but have not been able to find it again ever since. It starts like a typical Apollo myth: Apollo has a young best friend/lover, and they are inseparable. Then the young man's sixteenth birthday approaches (or…
rumtscho
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What happened to Metis after the birth of Athena?

Zeus swallowed Metis to prevent the prophecy of her future son overthrowing him from being fulfilled, but she was already pregnant, and later her daughter Athena sprang from Zeus' head. What happened to Metis herself when this happened?
Mr. Bultitude
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Was Zeus a compilation of gods?

Zeus is a complex character; although he is chief among gods, with many noble qualities, he is also deeply flawed. Among various sites on the internet 1 2 3 4, there's this passage which suggests that he is a compilation of various supreme…
congusbongus
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Status of Euhemerus theory on Zeus

Euhemerus (4th Century BC) is famous for his attempt to interpret myths as deformed historical events. In particular he thought that Zeus was originally a Cretan king whose tomb could be found in Crete. This theory was followed by a few of his…
plannapus
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Metis' unborn son

In the myth of Athena's birth it is mentioned that Metis' second child would overthrow Zeus. When Zeus swallowed Metis, he prevented the prophecy's fulfillment and Metis never had a son. But what if her son would have been born? Is there any…
Lymaba
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Did Zeus have any male lovers?

Many of the Greek gods were bisexual. Did Zeus have any male lovers?
user28
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Who was Zeus' first child conceived with a mortal?

Zeus was well known for his sexual escapades (both willing or unwilling). These resulted in many divine (Gods,Olympians) and heroic offspring (demi-gods) My question is : Who was Zeus' first child conceived with a mortal?
Tom Sol
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How many sons did Zeus father through mortal women?

Heracles and Perseus were two well-known sons of Zeus fathered by mortal women. How many other male offspring did Zeus father by human women? How many of these (sons of mortal mothers) specifically do not have alternate versions of their paternity…
user28
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What do we know of the rebellion against Zeus by Poseidon, Hera and Athena?

In the first book of the Iliad Achilles mentions that Thetis, his sea nymph mother, once saved Zeus from a rebellion by Poseidon, Hera and Athena: Help your brave son, therefore, if you are able. Go to Olympus, and if you have ever done him service…
yannis
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