Who is Zeus in Greek mythology and how his name is used in the modern world

Zeus is a god from the mythology of ancient Greece. If the chronology of mythology is to be believed, he was born in 1701 BC. But despite the fact that more than 3,700 years have passed, he is still remembered and used in many different ways. Children are familiar with it as early as grades 3 to 5, so they know exactly who it is. The popularity of the name is therefore not surprising.

Zeus in mythology

Zeus was considered the supreme god who ruled over lightning, thunder, the sky and the entire world. His father was the titan Kronos and his mother the titaness Rhea. He had brothers Poseidon and Hades and sisters Demeter and Hestia. Zeus' consort was called the goddess Hera.

The main symbols with which Zeus was depicted are a double-edged axe called a labris and a shield, less often he is seen with an eagle. His main location is Olympus. Zeus has often been confused with fate and represented as a punishing force for misdeeds. He can see into the future and has rewarded people with conscience and shame.

It is by lightning and thunder that he heralds the events destined by fate. Among his wives were:

• Hera.
• Themis.
• Metide.

Apart from his "official" wives, the god had more than a dozen lovers. In some cases, he even turned into other guises or became a serpent tempter to deceive women, but in the meantime, he is the guardian of the home and family, and protects the needy and the praying. He oversees the observance of customs and traditions.

Interesting fact! But despite numerous love affairs, Medea and Sinope still rejected the thunderer.

Some myths indicate that Zeus wanted to leave his wife Hera to live with Thetis, but a prophecy foretold the birth of a son who would be better than Zeus in every way. Unwilling to measure up to this, Zeus decided not to suffer the vicissitudes of fate.

The three brothers, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus shared the kingdom of the dead, water and sky respectively. History is silent as to whether this division took place by lot or by choice. On his Mount Olympus he ruled over the earth and was also the chief judge of the dead, for which he often provoked the righteous anger of his brother, who thought the division was unfair.

The popularity of Zeus in the world

The Great Temple of Zeus at Olympia is considered to be the first and most famous place of worship of the main deity. The town of Olympia itself is situated on the Peloponnese peninsula. It is thought to be the first place where the Olympic Games were held, and the Temple of Zeus has long been a sight to behold, along with a statue of the thunderer, dating back many centuries.

This archaeological complex is still popular today. Every year, many tourists arrive at the foot of Mount Kronos to see the remains of this magnificent structure for themselves. But there are plenty of other places of worship, including:

1. Central and Northern Greece;
2. islands in the Aegean Sea;
3. islands in the Mediterranean;
4. Asia Minor;
5. Eastern Mediterranean;
6. North Africa;
7. Southern and Central Italy.

Traditionally, he is depicted everywhere with a beard, a mature and strong man with thick curls and noble, typically Greek facial features. Often, his image is based on the statue of Zeus the Olympian, which was made by the sculptor Phidias. This is the statue that adorned his Temple at Olympia.

More modern references to him, paint in him more of a character who often changes his appearance to deceive women and have sexual intercourse with them. In addition to the two-handed axe and the eagle, among the obligatory attributes are also found:

• a cloak on the back (aegis);
• a chariot carried by an eagle;
• a sceptre;
• a lightning bolt.

The lightning bolt looks like a tangible two-pointed weapon. According to the legends, Zeus could punish people with it or fight enemies, of which he had plenty.

Where the name Zeus is used

The name Zeus is also used extensively in the modern world, in almost every sphere. In gambling, it's hard to find a slot manufacturer who hasn't used the name:

• Zeus: Thunder Reels: a slot machine created by manufacturer Playson. The slot appeared towards the end of 2020. The developer has set the payout level at 95.42%. The medium-high volatility gives hope for frequent, but not large winnings;
• Zeus by Spade Gaming: Released back in 2017. The return rate (RTP) is 96.98%. Average volatility suggests stable and measured play with large and small, but more often medium winnings;
• Zeus by Dragoon Soft: first appeared in online casinos in 2019. Average volatility and a 94.9% payout percentage;
• Zeus 1, 2 and 3 from slots manufacturer, WMS Gaming has a 96.1% payout. The developer has also released another themed slot called Zeus 1000 with a return percentage of 96%.

There are also a large number of games on PC or for mobile platforms featuring this supreme deity. These are still in production today, delighting fans of the genre. Apart from entertainment, it is not uncommon to find Zeus or some mention of him in cult films or even cartoons.

Top of the most popular movie masterpieces:

1. Odyssey (1997). A popular film that, despite its age, is beloved by many lovers of the subject. It is worth noting that most of the crew as well as the actors are of Greek descent.
2. Troy (2004). The film's protagonist, Achilles, is the one who was supposed to be born of Zeus and Fetid and surpass his father in everything, according to the prophecy.
3. Battle of the Titans (2010). The protagonist of the film is Perseus, son of Zeus and demigod.
4. Hercules (1997). Disney's full-length animated film based on Greek myths.
5. War of the Gods: The Immortals (2011).
6. Wrath of the Titans (2012). A sequel to the previous part, where Zeus, with the other gods, takes a direct part in the battle against the titans.

More information on Zeus on the website http://www.sigeneration.ca/. Virtually no film on the theme of ancient Greek mythology goes without Zeus, which is why films and cartoons are still made today and enjoy great popularity.