Zeus, father of the Greek Gods
Zeus,
father of the gods and people, symbolized omnipotence and absolute authority
to the ancient Greeks.
Zeus was the eldest of his brothers and sisters
and undertook the responsibility to govern the universe.
However, he
always had time to seduce a goddess or a beautiful princess and in this
way provoked the jealousy of his legal wife, Hera.
Zeus's most significant symbol was the thunderbolt, the most valuable
weapon he possessed. Next was the mace which had an eagle at one end
and represented his authority. There was also the aegis, the skin of
Amaltheia which made him invincible.
Zeus, as we have said, was the chief of all gods. He had the whole universe
under his supervision; he protected nature, but also various aspects
of the private, social and political life of people. He was the leader
of all gods and the most powerful.
Zeus's holy tree was the oak tree.
On many occasions he is portrayed with two earthenware jars by his side
which symbolized the good and bad he served out to the people.
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