chapter six myths of the immortals : zeus and hera

Chapter SixChapter Six

Myths of the Immortals :Myths of the Immortals :

Zeus and HeraZeus and Hera


Cronos’ myth contradictory:Cronos’ myth contradictory:a tyrant or wise ruler of the Golden Agea tyrant or wise ruler of the Golden Age

Six children of Cronos and Rhea are the Six children of Cronos and Rhea are the first Olympians:first Olympians:Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia,

HadesHades (Aphrodite born of his severed genitals in one (Aphrodite born of his severed genitals in one

version of her birth)version of her birth)


All except Hades lived on Olympus; All except Hades lived on Olympus; therefore, Hades is not considered an therefore, Hades is not considered an Olympian because he lives in the Olympian because he lives in the underworld.underworld.

There will be a total of 12, 13, or 14 There will be a total of 12, 13, or 14 OlympiansOlympians

Zeus is the great father/king of this court of Zeus is the great father/king of this court of gods and goddessesgods and goddesses


GodGod CompetenceCompetence GodGod CompetenceCompetence

1. Zeus1. Zeus Storms/ father Storms/ father of gods & menof gods & men

6. Apollo6. Apollo healing/truth/musichealing/truth/music

Phoebus-shinerPhoebus-shiner

2. Hera2. Hera Family-sister/Family-sister/wifewife

7. Artemis7. Artemis Hunt and wild Hunt and wild animalsanimals

3. Hestia3. Hestia watches the watches the fire/ Hearthfire/ Hearth

8. Hephaestus8. Hephaestus Forge/ inspires Forge/ inspires craftsmencraftsmen

4. Demeter4. Demeter Harvest/brings Harvest/brings fertility to earthfertility to earth

9. Athena9. Athena Knowledge/ Knowledge/ women’s skillswomen’s skills

HadesHades Underworld/ Underworld/ Zeus’ brotherZeus’ brother

10. Ares10. Ares WarWar

5. Poseidon5. Poseidon Sea/ Zeus’ Sea/ Zeus’ brotherbrother

11. Hermes11. Hermes Trade (commerce) Trade (commerce) deception, liesdeception, lies

12. Aphrodite12. Aphrodite Sexual attractionSexual attraction

AphroditeAphrodite

Uranus’ severed Uranus’ severed genitals and seafoamgenitals and seafoam

Daughter of Zeus Daughter of Zeus and Dione- and Dione- Oceanid/TitanessOceanid/Titaness

Olympian gods/goddessesOlympian gods/goddesses

““The Olympian gods were a projection onto a The Olympian gods were a projection onto a cosmic canvas of the concerns and activities of cosmic canvas of the concerns and activities of the Greeks themselves, and the organization of the Greeks themselves, and the organization of the Greek family and tensions between the the Greek family and tensions between the sexes are reflected in the family of the gods” sexes are reflected in the family of the gods” (142).(142).

By examining the tensions and structure of the By examining the tensions and structure of the families of the Olympian gods, we can draw families of the Olympian gods, we can draw conclusions about Greek society and their conclusions about Greek society and their families.families.

Zeus – king of the gods, god of the sky, thunder and lightening

Zeus, Lord of the SkyZeus, Lord of the Sky

Zeus means shine, sky, or father skyZeus means shine, sky, or father skyLived in the mountains (Olympus, Mt. Ida Lived in the mountains (Olympus, Mt. Ida

near Troy) and brought storms (his near Troy) and brought storms (his thunderbolt)thunderbolt)

Zeus’ weapon is also thunderboltZeus’ weapon is also thunderboltBy far the most powerful of the gods By far the most powerful of the gods


Symbol of his power is the Symbol of his power is the aegis-goat skin aegis-goat skin and this symbolizes the storm cloud of the and this symbolizes the storm cloud of the weather godweather god

Animals are the bull for power and fertility Animals are the bull for power and fertility and the eagle which is lord of the skyand the eagle which is lord of the sky

Guardian of justice (the way)Guardian of justice (the way)Protector of Protector of xeniaxeniaBut was not more powerful than fate But was not more powerful than fate

Zeus’ responsibilities

1. Handed down the laws that governed the behavior of mortals and immortals

2. Enforced oaths sworn by mortals and immortals and made sure they obeyed

3. Pronounced certain oracles

4. Imposed order on the universe; placed planets and stars in the sky

5. Commanded the weather

DikeDike

Custom-the way things are doneCustom-the way things are doneAct against custom and you act against Act against custom and you act against

ZeusZeus

XeniaXenia Formal institution of friendship in which hosts are Formal institution of friendship in which hosts are

kind to strangers and strangers honor their host kind to strangers and strangers honor their host and repay the kindnessand repay the kindness

This enabled Greeks to safely travel to distant This enabled Greeks to safely travel to distant landslands

Received into household when gust and given a Received into household when gust and given a giftgift

Must reciprocate when host travelsMust reciprocate when host travels A violation is to kill guest or steal from guest A violation is to kill guest or steal from guest A violation is guest to kill, rob, or seduce host’s A violation is guest to kill, rob, or seduce host’s

wifewife

Artists and Zeus’ AffairsArtists and Zeus’ Affairs

Gave artists the opportunities to depict Gave artists the opportunities to depict nudes and erotic themes without giving nudes and erotic themes without giving offense.offense.

Zeus and DanaeZeus and Danae

Zeus and DanaeZeus and Danae Danae was the daughter of Acrisius. An oracle warned Danae was the daughter of Acrisius. An oracle warned

AcrisiusAcrisius that Danae's son would someday kill him, so that Danae's son would someday kill him, so Acrisius shut Danae in a bronze room, away from all male Acrisius shut Danae in a bronze room, away from all male company. However, company. However, ZeusZeus conceived a passion for Danae, conceived a passion for Danae, and came to her through the roof, in the form of a shower and came to her through the roof, in the form of a shower of gold that poured down into her lap; as a result she had of gold that poured down into her lap; as a result she had a son, a son, PerseusPerseus. When Acrisius discovered Perseus, he . When Acrisius discovered Perseus, he locked both mother and son in a chest, and set it adrift on locked both mother and son in a chest, and set it adrift on the sea. The chest came ashore at Seriphus, where the sea. The chest came ashore at Seriphus, where Danae and Perseus were welcomed. Later, King Danae and Perseus were welcomed. Later, King Polydectes of Seriphus fell in love with Danae and tried to Polydectes of Seriphus fell in love with Danae and tried to force himself on her; he was eventually killed by Perseus. force himself on her; he was eventually killed by Perseus.

Zeus and LedaZeus and Leda

Zeus and LedaZeus and Leda

Leda was the daughter of Thestius and the Leda was the daughter of Thestius and the wife of wife of TyndareusTyndareus. She has been known . She has been known as the Queen of Sparta. Leda was as the Queen of Sparta. Leda was seduced by seduced by ZeusZeus when he came to her in when he came to her in the form of a swan. Leda gave birth to an the form of a swan. Leda gave birth to an egg. From it hatched the egg. From it hatched the DioscuriDioscuri, the , the twins Castor and Pollux. With Zeus she twins Castor and Pollux. With Zeus she also had also had HelenHelen and with Tyndareus she and with Tyndareus she had Clytemnestra. had Clytemnestra.

Zeus and GanymedeZeus and Ganymede


Zeus and GanymedeZeus and GanymedeZeus takes on many aspects of a Greek Zeus takes on many aspects of a Greek

aristocrat, such as pederastyaristocrat, such as pederasty

Zeus and GanymedeZeus and Ganymede Ganymede is the young, beautiful boy that became one Ganymede is the young, beautiful boy that became one

of Zeus' lovers. One source of the myth says that Zeus of Zeus' lovers. One source of the myth says that Zeus fell in love with Ganymede when he spotted him herding fell in love with Ganymede when he spotted him herding his flock on Mount Ida. Zeus then came down in the form his flock on Mount Ida. Zeus then came down in the form of an eagle or sent an eagle to carry Ganymede to of an eagle or sent an eagle to carry Ganymede to Mount Olympus where Ganymede became cupbearer to Mount Olympus where Ganymede became cupbearer to the gods. According to other accounts, Eos kidnapped the gods. According to other accounts, Eos kidnapped Ganymede, to be her lover, at the same time she Ganymede, to be her lover, at the same time she kidnapped Tithonus. Zeus then robbed Eos of kidnapped Tithonus. Zeus then robbed Eos of Ganymede, in return granting Eos the wish that Tithonus Ganymede, in return granting Eos the wish that Tithonus be immortal. Unthinkingly, Eos forgot to ask that be immortal. Unthinkingly, Eos forgot to ask that Tithonus remain youthful. Everyday, the faithful Eos Tithonus remain youthful. Everyday, the faithful Eos watched over Tithonus, until one day she locked him in a watched over Tithonus, until one day she locked him in a room and left him to get old by himself. room and left him to get old by himself.

Zeus and EuropaZeus and Europa

Zeus and EuropaZeus and Europa The legend of Europa and Zeus begins when the ruler of the The legend of Europa and Zeus begins when the ruler of the

Olympian gods glimpses the young woman one day. At first sight of Olympian gods glimpses the young woman one day. At first sight of Europa, Zeus is instantly overcome by her beauty and grace. Not Europa, Zeus is instantly overcome by her beauty and grace. Not being one to ignore his desires, the god immediately comes up with being one to ignore his desires, the god immediately comes up with a plan - he assumes the form of a glorious white bull and swims to a plan - he assumes the form of a glorious white bull and swims to the shore on which Europa and her female companions are playing the shore on which Europa and her female companions are playing (it should be noted that in some versions of the story, rather than (it should be noted that in some versions of the story, rather than disguising himself, Zeus sends a real white bull to lure the girl). The disguising himself, Zeus sends a real white bull to lure the girl). The bull is so sleek and handsome, not to mention gentle, that the bull is so sleek and handsome, not to mention gentle, that the maidens all take turns stroking and petting the pretty creature. maidens all take turns stroking and petting the pretty creature.

In time, Europa feels comfortable enough with the bull to climb upon In time, Europa feels comfortable enough with the bull to climb upon his back for a little ride. However, as soon as she is safely seated, his back for a little ride. However, as soon as she is safely seated, the bull moves toward the sea, carrying the object of his affection the bull moves toward the sea, carrying the object of his affection with him. They together cross the water. Their strange but with him. They together cross the water. Their strange but compelling journey leads them eventually to the island of Crete. compelling journey leads them eventually to the island of Crete.

Zeus and IoZeus and Io

Zeus and IoZeus and Io Io was an Argive princess and the daughter of Inachus, an ancient Io was an Argive princess and the daughter of Inachus, an ancient

hero or river god of Argos. She also had the misfortune to be hero or river god of Argos. She also had the misfortune to be subjected to the lust of Zeus. Zeus, in an attempt to avoid the rage subjected to the lust of Zeus. Zeus, in an attempt to avoid the rage and jealousy of Hera, his wife, transformed Io into a handsome and jealousy of Hera, his wife, transformed Io into a handsome white heifer. Hera, who knew Zeus was up to no good, asked for the white heifer. Hera, who knew Zeus was up to no good, asked for the heifer as a present. Zeus could not refuse. Hera deposited Io in the heifer as a present. Zeus could not refuse. Hera deposited Io in the safe keeping of Argus, the watchman with a hundred eyes. She was safe keeping of Argus, the watchman with a hundred eyes. She was eventually rescued by Hermes, though Hera still dogged her by eventually rescued by Hermes, though Hera still dogged her by sending a gadfly to sting her wherever she went. This tale she sending a gadfly to sting her wherever she went. This tale she eventually ended up telling to Prometheus, while he was bound to eventually ended up telling to Prometheus, while he was bound to his rock. Prometheus, though he couldn't provide direct comfort, told his rock. Prometheus, though he couldn't provide direct comfort, told her that, though her future would be fraught with hardship and toil, her that, though her future would be fraught with hardship and toil, she would, upon reaching Egypt and the Nile, be restored by Zeus she would, upon reaching Egypt and the Nile, be restored by Zeus and bore him a son, Epaphus. Furthermore, and perhaps more and bore him a son, Epaphus. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, she is the progenitor, thought removed by many importantly, she is the progenitor, thought removed by many generations, of Hercules, greatest of heroes, to whom Prometheus generations, of Hercules, greatest of heroes, to whom Prometheus himself would owe his freedom. himself would owe his freedom.

ZeusZeus The metaphor for the conquests is that sex is the The metaphor for the conquests is that sex is the

way the world is made. Earth/plants is female way the world is made. Earth/plants is female while rain is male.while rain is male.

Hellenistic commentators found 115 conquests Hellenistic commentators found 115 conquests of Zeus.of Zeus.

Zeus was Helen of Troy’s father.Zeus was Helen of Troy’s father. Hera seduces Zeus with Aphrodite’s belt, so he Hera seduces Zeus with Aphrodite’s belt, so he

will not pay attention to the Trojan War. Flowers will not pay attention to the Trojan War. Flowers grow around them and after Zeus falls asleep, grow around them and after Zeus falls asleep, Hera leaves and assists the Greeks. Zeus is Hera leaves and assists the Greeks. Zeus is enraged by his scheming wife.enraged by his scheming wife.


MetisMetis “cleverness” – Athena from his head after “cleverness” – Athena from his head after swallowing Metisswallowing Metis strength and judgmentstrength and judgment

ThemisThemis “established law”– “established law”– Horae (EirenHorae (Eirenê-peace, Eunomiê-good rule, Dikê-ê-peace, Eunomiê-good rule, Dikê-

justice)justice) Moerae (fates) (Clotho-spinner, Lachesis-measure, Moerae (fates) (Clotho-spinner, Lachesis-measure,

Atropos-cuts off)Atropos-cuts off) MnemosyneMnemosyne “memory”– 9 Muses who inspire “memory”– 9 Muses who inspire

poets and musicianspoets and musicians DioneDione “shinning one” -- Aphrodite “shinning one” -- Aphrodite

ZeusZeus

EurynomeEurynome-3 graces embody feminine -3 graces embody feminine qualitiesqualities

DemeterDemeter- Persephone- PersephoneLetoLeto- Apollo and Artemis- Apollo and Artemis

Some of Zeus’ ConquestsB. Metis

1. Gaia prophesied that a second child of Metis would overthrow him.

2. He went ahead and swallowed Metis before she gave birth to Athena in order to avoid her giving birth to a son later in life.

3. Eventually, Zeus had a very painful headache and had Hephaestus crack his skull open with an ax.

4. Athena was born from his head fully grown and dressed in full armor.

Zeus and MetisZeus and Metis

Themis

1. Together, they had the three Horae (Seasons) and the three Moirai (Fates) – sometimes known as children of Erebus and Nyx.

2. With the birth of these six daughters, Zeus completed the job of creation by finally bringing order to chaos.

Eurynome

1. They had the three Graces.

2. These three daughters gave beauty, splendor and grace to the universe.

Demeter

1. Iacchus

2. Persephone (summarize story of Persephone)

The Horae

The Three Graces

Hades abducts Persephone

Mnemosyne – Nine Muses

1. Clio – history

2. Euterpe – music and lyric poetry

3. Thalia – comedy

4. Melpomene – tragedy

5. Terpsichore – dance

6. Erato – love poetry and marriage

7. Polyhymnia – sacred song and oratory

8. Urania – astronomy

9. Calliope – epic poetry

Leto – Zeus and Leto produced the twins Apollo and Artemis

Hera

1. Ares

2. Hebe – a perpetual youthful beauty

3. Eileithyia – a goddess of childbirth

Hera, Queen of HeavenHera, Queen of HeavenRuler, Lady, HeroRuler, Lady, Hero

Hera and Trojan WarHera and Trojan War

Paris picked Aphrodite as the most Paris picked Aphrodite as the most beautiful of the goddesses between Hera, beautiful of the goddesses between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.Athena, and Aphrodite.

Oldest templeOldest templeHera hated adultery because it was a Hera hated adultery because it was a

threat to marriage, inheritance of property, threat to marriage, inheritance of property, and rank.and rank.

Hera, Queen of HeavenHera, Queen of Heaven

Marriage, sexuality, fertilityMarriage, sexuality, fertilityHer children with ZeusHer children with Zeus

Eileithyia-childbirth, Hebe-youth, Ares-war Eileithyia-childbirth, Hebe-youth, Ares-war and most hatedand most hated

Mother of Hephaestus Mother of Hephaestus Hephaestus-cripple and thrown from Hephaestus-cripple and thrown from

heavenheaven

Hera, Queen of HeavenHera, Queen of Heaven

Some of the most magnificent temples are Some of the most magnificent temples are to her (a Heraeum)to her (a Heraeum)

Argos (Argives)Argos (Argives)Persecuted Zeus’s paramours and Persecuted Zeus’s paramours and

sometimes their offspringsometimes their offspringHeraHeracles cles “glory of Hera”“glory of Hera”

Join a temporary rebellion with Poseidon Join a temporary rebellion with Poseidon and Athenaand Athena

Trouble in paradise?

1. The gods tried to challenge Zeus’ rule just once.

2. Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, and all the other gods and goddesses except Hestia rose up against him.

3. While he was asleep, they tied him down so that he could not get free.

4. Thetis summoned Briareus to set him free.

5. Zeus then punished Hera by hanging her from the sky by her wrists with anvils on her legs and would not set her free until she promised to never lead a rebellion again.

Zeus and Hera at Home on Zeus and Hera at Home on OlympusOlympus

A tempestuous marriageA tempestuous marriageThe scene between Thetis and Zeus from The scene between Thetis and Zeus from

the the Iliad Iliad shows Zeus threatened Hera with shows Zeus threatened Hera with violence for her jealousyviolence for her jealousy

Hephaestus, and their children intervenes Hephaestus, and their children intervenes to stop the fightto stop the fight

Hephaestus guides Hera to silence and Hephaestus guides Hera to silence and cheercheer

Banquet rolesBanquet roles

Hephaestus-cupbearerHephaestus-cupbearerApollo- music, plays lyre and entertains Apollo- music, plays lyre and entertains

with the museswith the muses

MisogynyMisogyny

Disagreeable wife is threatened with Disagreeable wife is threatened with violence to keep her in her place.violence to keep her in her place.

AnthropomorphismAnthropomorphism

Gods are human-shaped and humanlike, Gods are human-shaped and humanlike, an inheritance perhaps from an inheritance perhaps from Mesopotamian traditionsMesopotamian traditions

They eat and drink (special divine They eat and drink (special divine substances to be sure).substances to be sure).

Have humanistic needs, traits, qualities, Have humanistic needs, traits, qualities, and behaviorsand behaviors


They laugh, get angry and jealous, and They laugh, get angry and jealous, and can even be wounded.can even be wounded.

Anthropomorphism makes interesting Anthropomorphism makes interesting narrative and great mythsnarrative and great myths

Differences-immortal, inchor, do not Differences-immortal, inchor, do not excrete/ mortal, blood, excreteexcrete/ mortal, blood, excrete


Ares is wounded by the spear of Ares is wounded by the spear of Diomedes in belly.Diomedes in belly.

Zeus orders him healed by ApolloZeus orders him healed by Apollo

Gods can not avoid or interfere withGods can not avoid or interfere with

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chapter six myths of the immortals : zeus and hera

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