Zeus

Parentage: Zeus is the son of Cronus and Rhea, making him a member of the second generation of the Olympian gods. Cronus, fearing a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, had swallowed his previous children, but Rhea managed to save Zeus by tricking Cronus.

Overthrow of Cronus: With the help of his mother, Rhea, and the Cyclopes, Zeus overthrew his father, Cronus, who had been ruling the cosmos. The Titanomachy, a great war between the Olympian gods and the Titans, ensued, resulting in the victory of the Olympians and Zeus becoming the ruler of the cosmos.

King of the Gods: Zeus became the king of the gods, with his siblings Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Poseidon, and Hades as fellow Olympians. He divided the realms among them, with Zeus ruling the sky and heavens.

Symbols and Attributes: Zeus is commonly depicted with a thunderbolt, a sceptre, and an eagle. The thunderbolt is his primary weapon, symbolising his control over lightning and storms. The eagle is his sacred bird.

Marriage to Hera: Zeus married his sister Hera, who became the queen of the gods. Their union produced several divine offspring, including Ares, Hebe, and Hephaestus.

Affairs and Offspring: Zeus had numerous extramarital affairs and fathered many demigods and legendary heroes, including Heracles (Hercules), Perseus, Helen of Troy, and many others.

Omnipotence and Omnipresence: Zeus is considered the most powerful of the gods and is often described as omnipotent and omnipresent. He can shape-shift, control the weather, and intervene in the affairs of both gods and mortals.

Oracle at Dodona: Zeus was associated with the oracle at Dodona, where priests interpreted the rustling of oak leaves to provide guidance and prophecies.

Punishments and Rewards: Zeus was known for both punishing wrongdoing and rewarding virtue. He could send thunderbolts to smite his enemies and was the arbiter of justice among the gods.

Role in Myths: Zeus is a central figure in many myths, including the Titanomachy, the Gigantomachy, and various stories involving mortal heroes and their interactions with the divine.

Cultural Influence: Zeus' image and myths have left an indelible mark on Western art, literature, and culture. He is often cited as a symbol of power and authority.

Roman Equivalent: In Roman mythology, Zeus is identified with Jupiter, the king of the gods.

Zeus' prominence in Greek mythology reflects the importance of his role as the ruler of the gods and the cosmic order. His influence extended beyond the divine realm, shaping the destiny of mortals and providing a moral and legal framework for both gods and humans.