1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Greek mythology is a complex story of the intertwining life of gods, goddesses, mortal heroes and others that inhabited the ancient world. Today many of the names of the gods and goddesses are still well known, and although there are exceptions it is generally the Twelve Olympians who are best remembered, all under the leadership of the supreme god, Zeus.

The story of the Twelve Olympians actually begins in the "Golden Age" of Greek mythology when Cronus and the Titans were rulers of all. Cronus was fearful though that he would be overthrown by one of his own offspring, just as he had usurped his father. As a result as his wife, Rhea, gave birth to each of his children, he swallowed them so that they would be imprisoned in his stomach. Thus Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Demeter and Hestia were swallowed, and it was only Zeus who escaped this fate. Zeus was smuggled away by his mother to safety in Crete.

In Crete Zeus grew to maturity and led a rebellion against his father, firstly by releasing his siblings and then by taking part in the Titanomachy. The Titanomachy was the rebellion by the children of Cronus, and his allies, mostly the giants against the rule of the Titans. Ten years of fighting ended in victory for Zeus, and with his enemies confined to Tartarus, or given other tasks, Zeus was ready to rule from his throne on Mount Olympus.

There were originally five Olympian gods, these being the siblings of Zeus, Hestia, Hera, Poseidon and Demeter. Hades was not included because of his throne being positioned in the Underworld. A further seven gods were then added to ruling group, with Ares, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, Apollo and Artemis, generally these are second generation Olympians and children of Zeus, although Aphrodite isn't a child of Zeus. The twelve quoted Olympians though is a fluid list and changes over time, and also changes dependant on the resource being studied.

Zeus -
Zeus was the youngest of the six siblings but was also the strongest. A natural leader after the Titanomachy he was given as his domain the land and the sky, and supreme ruler of Mount Olympus. He is considered the god of justice, although the stories told about him tell more often about his love affairs with goddesses and beautiful mortal women, the likes of Europa and Danae, rather than of any fighting or great deeds. Most of Greek mythology though can be traced back to an action of Zeus, as his love life produced scores of offspring, some of which were gods and some of which

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Greek mythology: Who are the Olympians??
We want to hear your view. Write now!