by Tim Harry

Created on: November 19, 2008   Last Updated: October 05, 2009

The story of Zeus in Greek mythology is often viewed in great contrast to the other tales of the Olympian gods. Greek gods and heroes are well known for their adventures and their battles with their enemies. The stories of Zeus though tell little of his ultimate leadership or his fights against strong enemies, stories that you would expect from the supreme god, and instead focus mainly on the love life of Zeus.

Zeus was the ruler of the Olympian gods, being the son of Cronus and Gaea, previous rulers of the world. Zeus though had overthrown the rule of his father through the Titanomachy, when Zeus, his siblings and his allies, had risen up against the rule of the Titans. Through countless generations the tales of Zeus have focused on his relationships with female gods and mortals. Zeus was married three times, although it is the marriage of Zeus and Hera that was the one to last. Despite being married though, it did not stop Zeus from striking up relationships with beautiful mortal women and goddesses, much to the displeasure of Hera.

The tale of Europa and Zeus is one many stories told of Zeus' relationships with a mortal. Europa is normally identified as being the beautiful daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre in Phoenicia, and his queen Telephassa (or Argiope). Agenor himself his said to have been descended from Poseidon. Europa was sister to Cadmus, Cilix and Phoenix.

Zeus was observing his domain when he caught site of her, and as often happened with Zeus, was instantly overwhelmed with her beauty. Again as was normal with the tales of Zeus, the supreme god decided to act upon his desires, and sought to seduce her. Zeus hatched a plan that saw him transform himself into a perfect white bull, and made his way to the shore where Europa was gathering flowers along with her female ladies in waiting.

Zeus, as a white bull, made sure that he appeared to be tame, and allowed the women to pet him. Zeus even laid down at the feet of Europa, and Europa eventually decided to see whether he was tame enough to ride. With Europa on his back, Zeus spots his opportunity and runs off with her into the sea.

The white bull, with Europa still on his back, eventually arrived on the shores of Crete, at which point Zeus changed himself back into his original form. Europa then readily agrees to be his lover, and went on to bore him three sons, Monos, Sarpedon and Rhadamanthys.

Europa was left on Crete by Zeus, although she was not abandoned as she was provided with gifts to aid her.

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