Zeus (2024)

Zeus was the King of Olympus and the father of Heron.

History[]

Zeus revealed he was not raised by his father, and when they finally met, he was forced to kill him.

Banding together with his fellow gods, Zeus defeated the last Titan. But as the last Titan fell, he swore a curse on the gods, and when his blood struck the sea, the Giants were born. These monsters were brought into the world for a single purpose: to destroy the realm of the gods. A hellish war known as the Gigantomachy then began. The gods swore to defeat the giants and rid them of the Earth. Both gods and giants fell alike. Still, neither side would relent, and the two factions battled endlessly, incapable of conquering the other. Until one day, Zeus convinced two of the giants to take up arms with the gods. Soon, Zeus would lead one final attack. Zeus ordered Hermes to gather their souls while their remains were cast into the ocean to be forever swallowed by the tides. The smith of the gods Hephaestus forged the grand automaton Talos to stand guard over the cauldron, forever sworn to keep it shut so that this evil would never return.

Zeus married his beloved, Metis. Together, they had a daughter named Athena, whom Zeus loved deeply. For unknown reasons, Metis ends up passing away. Zeus married Themis, with whom he had Atropos, Lachesis and Clotho, but they ended up separating. Zeus eventually took Hera's hand in marriage and became ruler of the Greek gods. He and Hera did have four children together named Ares, Enyo, Hephaestus and Pasithea. Throughout his marriage, however, Zeus had several affairs that resulted in the birth of Persephone, Aphrodite, Artemis, Apollo, Hermes, Dionysus, Minos, Rhadamanthus, Aeacus, Tityos, Tantalus, Perseus, Hercules and Heron.

Throughout the Series[]

Season 1[]

In A Call to Arms, Zeus tells Heron the story of the Gigantomachy. He then makes a sword for him.

In Past is Prologue, Zeus falls in love with Electra and later saves her.

In The Raid, Zeus helps Heron and Alexia escape from Seraphim.

In A Monster is Born, Zeus is unable to save Seraphim.

In Escape or Die, Zeus intervenes to save Heron from Seraphim.

In Back to Olympus, Zeus trains Heron and escorts him to the fates.

In The Fields of the Dead, watches the giants' resurrection and is critically injured by Hera, who is disguised as Hermes.

In War for Olympus, Zeus battles the giants and then Hera before self-sacrificing himself to save Hera.

Season 2[]

In A Shadow Emerges, Zeus is mentioned by Hades for underestimating him during his war with Hera and then again about Hades' plan to steal the Eleusinian Stone from his Temple.

Zeus again appears during the war between Hera's allied army against Zeus' army at Olympus. Before Heron set off to retrieve the Cauldron, Zeus gave him words of encouragement.

Later on, Zeus orders Athena and Hestia to go to his keep to retrieve the Eleusinsian Stone, while entrusting a ring to Hestia. Despite Hestia worrying about the risks, Zeus believes in her and entrusts his ring, which would help her retrieve it.

In Winter is Born, Zeus is mentioned by Heron in his talk with Hephaestus about looking for the sword that he forged for him. He'd later be mentioned during a three-way conversation between Heron, Hephaestus, and Apollo.

In Funeral Games, a statue of him is seen, and he later appears in spirit form, where he thanks his children and notes his desire for Heron to inherit his ring. Although Heron deems himself unworthy, Zeus believes otherwise. His soul is then delivered to the Underworld by Hermes.

In Judgement Day, faces his trial in front of his sons Rhadamanthus, Minos, and Aeacus. With Hades and Hera acting as his prosecutor and defense, respectively, Zeus is ultimately condemned to Tartarus until someone commits enough good deeds in his name to exonerate him.

Physical Appearance[]

Like all the Greek gods, Zeus is very tall, muscular, and handsome. He had shoulder-length brown hair, a neatly trimmed brown-and-gray beard, and bright blue eyes. He wears blue and white robes with threads of gold and golden accessories.

Personality[]

According to Hera, after the war, Zeus did little than drink, carouse, and feed his every desire.^[1] Zeus was also an unfaithful husband, having several illicit affairs with mortal women and goddesses alike, that produced several illegitimate children. He admitted that despite his affairs, he loved Hera at one point or another, even sacrificing his life to save hers from a giant. In Season 2, Zeus is revealed to have a cowardly side. According to Hades, Zeus did not attempt to reunite Seraphim with Electra as Seraphim's presence constantly reminded him of Periander.^[2]

Powers and Abilities[]

Powers[]

• Olympian Deity Physiology: Zeus belongs to a race of ancient and inconceivably powerful beings known as the Olympian gods. Because of this heritage. As the King of Olympus, Zeus was arguably the most powerful of the Gods despite being the youngest of his siblings. Zeus possesses the conventional superhuman attributes of an Olympian Deity; many of these abilities are vastly superior to those possessed by the vast majority of his race. Although he possessed a wide range of abilities and powers, he himself admitted that he was not all-powerful.^[3] His actions on the mortal world are confined by the will of the Fates, and even he did not dare face all the other gods on Olympus when they banded together.
  • Immortality: Like all the gods, Zeus was ageless, if not extremely long-lived.
  • Immense Strength: Zeus is immensely strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Giants even in his weakened state. His punches created shockwaves that caused minor earthquakes around the fight area.
  • Immense Speed: Zeus can run and move at speeds far greater than any human or most gods.
  • Immense Durability: Zeus possessed immense levels of superhuman durability. He was immune to all diseases, ailments, and toxins. In addition, he is enormously resistant to damage. He was able to survive a slit to the throat but was severely injured in the process; ultimately proved not to be invulnerable as only beings of equal power to him are the only ones that can visibly harm him.
  • Immense Stamina: Zeus' highly advanced physiology generates almost no fatigue toxins during physical activity, enabling him to sustain his strength. As a result, he possesses almost limitless superhuman stamina. His stamina is matched among the Olympians only by his brothers Poseidon and Hades and his sons Ares, Heron, and Hermes.
  • Regenerative Healing Factor: Like all Olympians, it is possible to physically (or even mentally) injure him despite his superhuman durability. However, if injured, he can heal with superhuman speed and efficiency. The full limits of his healing powers are unknown. However, they are considered considerably higher than those of the vast majority of his race, being the King of Olympus itself.
• Atmokinesis: As God of the Storms, Zeus can manipulate the weather. He can summon strong winds, powerful storms, and thunder. In moments of anger, his eyes glowed blue and shot tiny volts of electricity. He made rainfall from the skies during his fight with Giant.
  • Advanced Electrokinesis: Zeus could generate powerful lightning at will. He can create and manipulate mystical lightning with lethal efficiency. He can command the lightning for various effects, such as channeling it through his fists to amplify the effectiveness of his blows.
  • Electrogenesis: Zeus could generate tremendous electrical energy through lightning bolts projecting from his hands. His ability to generate tremendous amounts of electrical energy and to protect them from his hands in the form of lightning bolts has become his trademark.
• Levitation: As seen in battle, Zeus can levitate himself off the ground and fly.
• Remote Viewing: Zeus was capable of remotely viewing events happening miles away and sensing the prayers of the Greeks.
• Wildness Manipulation: Zeus could command animals to do whatever he says. He could control or influence the behavior of animals, allowing him to calm wild animals, as seen when he induced a bear to nurse Seraphim.
  • Supernatural Concealment: By covering Electra and Heron's village in dark clouds, he was able to shield them from Hera's sight.
• Shapeshifting: Zeus could alter his size and shape at will, taking the form of an eagle and King Periander. He even created and assumed the identity of an old man to keep watch over Heron and Electra in secret.
• Telepathy: Zeus could enter the minds of others to communicate telepathically or project memories.^[4]
• Telekinesis: Zeus could manipulate objects through telekinesis. His telekinetic aura was colored light blue and glowed around the objects he telekinetically manipulated.^[4]
• Magical Manipulation: Zeus possessed vast magical powers of an unknown nature, which surpassed the magic-wielding powers of any other Olympian god. Zeus can generate and manipulate other forms of energy as well. In addition to being able to manipulate energy, he could project it in vast quantities offensively or defensively.
• Energy Avatar: He could project his image, voice, and energy bolts from the Olympian dimension into that of Earth.
• Limited Chlorokinesis: Zeus was able to conceal Alexia in a bush of blue roses to hide her from Seraphim.^[1]
• Teleportation: Zeus was capable of teleportation, manifesting himself through lighting strikes^[1] or bright light flashes.^[4]

Abilities[]

Master Combatant: Zeus is a formidable hand-to-hand combatant and is particularly skilled at employing his vast energy-manipulating abilities, including lightning bolts in combat situations, making him virtually invincible.

Seduction: Zeus is a god with an insatiable sex drive, having had numerous children with different women, both mortal and immortal, that he has seduced over the millennia.

Weaknesses[]

• Grievous Bodily Harm: Sufficient damage to Zeus' body could incapacitate or, apparently, kill him despite his divinity. Hera managed to wound him with a knife to his neck seriously, and in his final moments, he seemed to obliterate himself with his own lightning in a massive explosion.^[4][5]

Relationships[]

Hades[]

It is unknown about Zeus' relationship with his brother Hades, as they are never seen interacting together in the series.

Poseidon[]

The relationship between Zeus and his brother Poseidon is one of cooperation and rivalry. As brothers and sons of Kronos and Rhea, Zeus and Poseidon are members of the Olympian gods, the principal deities of the Greek pantheon. Despite their shared status, Zeus and Poseidon are often depicted as having distinct domains and personalities.

Zeus is associated with the sky, thunder, and lightning, and he is revered as the ruler of Mount Olympus and the heavens. On the other hand, Poseidon is the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, often portrayed as a powerful and temperamental deity. While Zeus and Poseidon are both powerful gods in their own right, they occasionally come into conflict over various issues. In some myths, Poseidon challenges Zeus's authority, leading to disputes and rivalries between them. However, despite these conflicts, Zeus and Poseidon also occasionally work together, such as in overthrowing the Titans and dividing the cosmos. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Poseidon is one of both rivalry and cooperation, reflecting the complex dynamics among the Olympian gods.

Hestia[]

Zeus displayed an innate trust of Hestia. An example of this unshakable faith was sending her on the important mission to deliver the Eleusinian Stone to Gaia. Additionally, Zeus described his older sister as wise, showing his admiration for her. Hestia in return greatly admired and trusted Zeus, getting devasted with his death.

Hera[]

The relationship between Zeus and his wife, Hera, is one of the most prominent and complex. Zeus and Hera are siblings, as well as husband and wife, a common theme in Greek mythology among the gods. Their marriage is often depicted as tumultuous, marked by infidelity, jealousy, and conflict. Despite their conflicts, Zeus and Hera are also depicted as a powerful and formidable couple, with Hera often serving as Zeus's consort and advisor. She is known for her strong will and role as the marriage and family protector.

However, Zeus's infidelity is a constant source of strife between them. Zeus is notorious for his numerous affairs and offspring with other goddesses, nymphs, and mortal women, much to Hera's dismay. Hera often avenges Zeus's lovers and illegitimate children, causing further discord between them. Despite their conflicts, Zeus and Hera are also depicted as a loving and devoted couple at times, with Zeus expressing his affection for Hera and seeking her counsel in important matters. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Hera is one of both love and conflict, reflecting the complexities of marriage and power dynamics.

Athena[]

In Greek mythology, the relationship between Zeus and his favorite daughter, Athena, is one of respect, admiration, and paternal pride. Athena is one of Zeus's most beloved daughters, born from his head after he swallowed her pregnant mother, Metis, to prevent a prophecy that his offspring would overthrow him. This unique birth makes Athena a symbol of Zeus's wisdom and power.

Zeus greatly values Athena's counsel and wisdom, often seeking her advice in matters of great importance. Athena, in turn, is fiercely loyal to her father and often acts as his champion, particularly in conflicts where her strategic skills and military prowess are needed. Despite their close relationship, Athena and Zeus are not without their conflicts. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Athena is one of mutual respect and admiration, characterized by their shared wisdom, strength, and leadership qualities.

Ares[]

The relationship between Zeus and his son Ares is complex and often reflects conflicting aspects of their personalities and domains. Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera, making him one of Zeus's many children. However, unlike Athena, who represents strategic warfare and wisdom, Ares embodies war's more brutal and violent aspects. Zeus is often portrayed as both respecting and admonishing Ares for his role as the god of war. While Zeus recognizes Ares' power and importance in the pantheon, he also disapproves of Ares' impulsive and destructive nature. In some myths, Zeus chastises Ares for his behavior and punishes him for his recklessness.

Despite their conflicts, Zeus and Ares are also depicted as allies in battle, with Ares often fighting on behalf of Zeus in conflicts with other gods or titans. Ares is also portrayed as a fierce defender of his father's honor, willing to go to great lengths to protect Zeus's reputation and authority. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Ares is one of both respect and conflict, reflecting the complexities of their roles as gods of war and the different aspects of warfare they represent.

Hephaestus[]

The relationship between Zeus and his son Hephaestus comprises paternal care and complexity. Hephaestus is one of Zeus's children. He is often portrayed as physically imperfect, which leads to his being cast out of Olympus by Hera, his mother in some versions, due to shame or anger over his appearance. Despite his physical deformity, Hephaestus is highly skilled and respected for his craftsmanship, particularly in metalworking. Zeus values Hephaestus for his talents and often calls upon him to create magnificent weapons and objects, such as thunderbolts for Zeus himself and armor for other gods and heroes.

Zeus also shows paternal care for Hephaestus, sometimes intervening on his behalf in conflicts with other gods. In one myth, Zeus rescues Hephaestus from imprisonment by Hera, showing his concern for his son's well-being. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Hephaestus is one of a father's pride in his son's talents and a sense of duty towards a child who is often marginalized or mistreated by others. It reflects the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of recognizing and appreciating each individual's unique abilities.

Artemis[]

In Greek mythology, the relationship between Zeus and his daughter Artemis is one of paternal care and respect. Artemis is one of Zeus's many children, born to him and Leto, a goddess. Zeus greatly values Artemis for her skills as a huntress and her role as a protector of wild places and animals. Artemis is known for her independence and dedication to her pursuits, which Zeus admires and respects.

Zeus also shows paternal care for Artemis, often intervening on her behalf in conflicts or challenges. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Artemis is one of mutual respect and admiration, with Zeus recognizing and appreciating Artemis's unique talents and qualities. Artemis, in turn, is fiercely loyal to her father and his authority, making her one of his most trusted allies among the gods.

Apollo[]

The relationship between Zeus and his son, Apollo is one of both familial bond and mutual respect. Apollo is one of Zeus's many children, born to him and Leto, a goddess. Zeus greatly values Apollo for his many talents and abilities, including his skill in archery, music, and prophecy. Apollo is known for his beauty, intelligence, and creativity, qualities that Zeus admires and respects.

Zeus also shows paternal care for Apollo, often intervening on his behalf in conflicts or challenges. In one myth, Zeus helps Apollo in his quest to establish the Oracle of Delphi, a sacred site of prophecy and wisdom. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Apollo is one of mutual admiration and support, with Zeus recognizing and appreciating Apollo's unique talents and qualities. Apollo, in turn, is fiercely loyal to his father and his authority, making him one of Zeus's most trusted allies among the gods.

Hermes[]

The relationship between Zeus and his son, Hermes, is one of both respect and camaraderie. Hermes is one of Zeus's many children, born to him and Maia, a nymph. Zeus greatly values Hermes as a messenger and intermediary among the gods, as well as his wit, cunning, and cleverness. Hermes is known for his ability to move freely between the realms of the gods and mortals, qualities that Zeus admires and respects.

Zeus also shows paternal care for Hermes, often entrusting him with important tasks and missions. Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Hermes is one of mutual respect and trust, with Zeus recognizing and appreciating Hermes's unique talents and qualities. Hermes, in turn, is fiercely loyal to his father and his authority, making him one of Zeus's most trusted allies among the gods.

Heron[]

The relationship between Zeus and his son Heron is one of paternal care and influence. Heron is the son of Zeus and Electra, a mortal queen. Zeus impregnated Electrain, the form of Periander, and Heron was born due to this union. Despite initially not playing a direct role in Heron's life or adventures, Zeus's actions set the stage for Heron's destiny as a hero.

Overall, the relationship between Zeus and Heron highlights Zeus's role as a father figure and protector of heroes.

Appearances[]

Season 1[]

• A Call to Arms
• Past is Prologue
• The Raid
• A Monster is Born
• Escape or Die
• Back to Olympus
• The Fields of the Dead
• War for Olympus

Trivia[]

• In Back to Olympus, Zeus confirmed the existence of Perseus and Hercules (Heracles) in the series.
• The show's creators associated Zeus with the color blue for both his eyes, clothes, and lighting, as well as a nod to the Games of Thrones books.^[6]
• Zeus is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who ruled as king of the gods of Mount Olympus. His name is cognate with the first element of his Roman equivalent, Jupiter. His mythology and powers are similar, though not identical, to those of other Indo-European deities such as Perkūnas, Perun, Indra, Dyaus, and Thor.
• Of all his children, Zeus has Athena as his favorite daughter and Apollo as his favorite son.

Gallery[]

References[]

See also[]