Classical References

Greek Mythology

Zeus - Zeus was the god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods. Zeus overthrew his Father Kronus. He then drew lots with his brothers Poseidon and Hades. Zeus won the draw and became the supreme ruler of the gods. He is lord of the sky, the rain god. His weapon is a thunderbolt, which he hurls at those who displease him. He is married to Hera but is famous for his many affairs. He is also known to punish those that lie or break oaths. Zeus lived on Mount Olympus and he was father to Apollo, Dionysus and Athene.

Poseidon - Zeus' brother Poseidon was the god of the sea. He was always portrayed rising from the sea with a trident. Poseidon was a dreadful enemy and to upset Poseidon was to guarantee disaster to any sea journey one might make. He married Amphitrite, a granddaughter of the Titan Oceanus.

Hades - God of the underworld, ruling over the underworld. He is a greedy god who is greatly concerned with increasing his subjects. He is also the god of wealth, due to the precious metals mined from the earth. He has a helmet that makes him invisable. He rarely leaves the underworld. He is unpitying and terrible, but not capricious. His wife is Persephone whom Hades abducted.

Hera – One of Zeus’ wives (symbolised by a peacock) – the protector of women and marriage. Hera's marriage was founded in strife with Zeus and continued in strife. Zeus courted her unsuccessfully. He then turned to trickery, changing himself into dishevelled cuckoo. Hera feeling sorry for the bird held it to her breast to warm it. Zeus then resumed his normal form and taking advantage of the surprise he gained, ***** her. She then married him to cover her shame.

Once when Zeus was being particularly overbearing to the other gods, Hera convinced them to join in a revolt. Her part in the revolt was to drug Zeus, and in this she was successful. The gods then bound the sleeping Zeus to a couch taking care to tie many knots. Briareus slipped in and was able to quickly untie the many knots. Zeus sprang from the couch and grappled up his thunderbolt. The gods fell to their knees begging and pleading for mercy. He seized Hera and hung her from the sky with gold chains. She wept in pain all night but none of the others dared to interfere. Her weeping kept Zeus up and the next morning he agreed to release her if she would swear never to rebel again. She had little choice but, to agree. While she…