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==Introduction==[[File: Titan one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Statue of Zeus]]__NOTOC__The gods in Greek mythology are very different from many modern ideas about religion. The Greek gods They were seen as great powers and not as spiritual or benign figures, as in the Monotheistic religion. Zeus became king King of the Olympian Gods gods, not because he was morally good or a creator god. Instead, he came to power in a cosmic war. He came to be became the absolute ruler of the universe after overthrowing his father and by battling the Titans. Zeus became king King the way that many other monarchs seized power, with brute force and cunning.  There are many myths regarding how Zeus became the ruler of the world , and they are known as ‘Succession Myths’'Succession Myths. ' This article relates how he became ruler of Olympus and king King of the gods and goddesses. There is no one version of how the ruler of Olympus became King of the Gods, it should be noted. [[File: Titan one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Statue of Zeus]]==Background to Who were the rise of ZeusTitans?==The first ruler of the gods was Uranus, the personification of the sky. He was married to Gaia, the goddess of the earth. Uranus had twelve children with Gaia. The After a prophecy that his children would overthrow him, the original ruler of the world hid his children inside their mother (earth), after a prophecy that his children would overthrow him. Gaia hated him for this. The children of the sky and the earth were known in the ancient sources as the Titans and the . The youngest of these Titans was Cronus. He conspired with his mother to depose his father. Only he, among all the Titans, was brave enough to move against his father .<ref>Hesiod, Theogony, 113.</ref>. Gaia crafted a sickle for Cronus, and he sneaked upon his father and castrated him. Uranus was weakened , and Cronus was able to imprison his father in Tartarus which is , often mistakenly referred to as hell by many. Cronus imprisoned several monsters, the Hecatonchires , and the Cyclopes , with his father under the earth. He was regarded as the personification of time in the Classical sources. He , along with his sister Rhea , became the monarchs of the gods. His reign was considered to be a golden age Golden Age when men did not require laws and where everything was shared equally. [[File: Titan two.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A seventeenth-century painting of the Titans and the Olympians in battle]]However, Cronus heard a prophecy that was made by his father Uranus and his mother Gaia, He was told that he too would be deposed like he had his father by his son. Cronus was This prophecy naturally threatened by this prophecy Cronus, and he decided to remove all his children so that they could not threaten him. Now the king King of the gods had six children with his queen , who was also his half-sister. Rhea bore him three daughters Demeter, Hestia and , Hera , and three sones sons Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon. Zeus, the future King of Olympus , was the youngest of the children.  Mindful of the prophecy Cronus came up with a strategy to make sure ensure that his children could never threaten or depose him. When they were born, he swallowed them all whole. When Rhea was pregnant with Zeus, he also intended to swallow him, so he would not be a threat.<ref>Hesiod, Theogony, 480</ref>. [[File: Titan two.jpgFile.png|200px|thumb|left|A seventeenth century painting of the Titans and the Olympians in battle]]==The birth of How did Zeus==Naturally, Rhea was enraged by this, but she came up with a plan. She sought avoid the help Fate of Gaia, who told her what to do. When she was about to give birth to Zeus she secretly went to the island of Crete. Here she delivered the future king of the Olympians in a cave in Mount Ida. This was a well-known pilgrimage site in Ancient Greece and can still be visited, to this day. Now Cronus was aware that Zeus was born, and he demanded that the infant be handed over to him. Rhea and Gaia had devised a clever strategy she found a huge stone and wrapped it in swaddling clothes and they present this to the Cronus and told him that this was the infant. Cronus swallowed the stone and was satisfied that Zeus was no longer a threat. In reality, he grew up in Crete, according to a popular version of the myth by the 7th century BC poet Hesiod<ref>Hesiod, Theogony, 480</ref>. There is no agreement in the sources as to who raised the young God, in some sources it was a nymph and in others it was his grandmother Gaia. Zeus grew up to be a mighty god in Crete. Siblings? ==

==Cronus and the Olympians==Zeus Naturally, Rhea was desperate to overthrow his father and he was guided enraged by his grandmother Gaia. Cronus did not know that his youngest sone ' plan to murder her child, so she came up with Rhea was still alivea plan. In some myths, Zeus became She sought the cupbearer help of his fatherGaia, who told her what to do. His mother gave him a powerful potion and Zeus When she was able about to give it birth to his fatherZeus, she secretlywent to the island of Crete. Well, Here she delivered the potion acted as an enema future King of the Olympians in a cave in Mount Ida. This was a well-known pilgrimage site in Ancient Greece and can still be visited to this day.  Now Cronus threw up his five children whom was aware that Zeus was born, and he demanded that the infant be handed over to him. Rhea and Gaia had swalloweddevised a clever strategy. Immediately they rallied She found a huge stone and wrapped it in swaddling clothes and they present this to the cause of their younger brother. From Cronus and told him that this time on there was going to be a war for control of the world<ref>Hesiodinfant. Cronus swallowed the stone and was satisfied that Zeus was no longer a threat.  In reality, Theogonyhe grew up in Crete, 480-494according to a popular version of the myth by the 7th century BC poet Hesiod.<ref>Hesiod, Theogony, 480</ref>There is no agreement in the sources as to who raised the young God. On one side In some sources, it was Cronus a nymph, and in others, it was his brother and sisters and they were known as the Titansgrandmother Gaia. On the other side Zeus grew up to be a mighty god in Crete. == Who helped Zeus overthrow Cronus? ==Zeus was Zeus and desperate to overthrow his brothers and sisterfather, known as the Olympians. They were at a disadvantage and were outnumbered he was guided by the Titanshis grandmother Gaia. However, Cronus did not know that his youngest son with Rhea was still alive. In some myths, Zeus was ever-resourceful and had became the secret support cupbearer of his father. His mother gave him a powerful potion, and grandmotherZeus was able to give it to his father, secretly. Then he freed some of Well, the monsters potion acted as an enema, and the Cyclopes that Cronus threw up his five children whom he had been imprisoned by Cronus many years beforeswallowed. The Cyclopes were grateful and in return forge thunderbolts for ZeusImmediately they rallied to the cause of their younger brother. They also made  From this time on, there was a trident war for Poseidon and a helmet for Hades. The future King control of Olympus also released the Hecatonchires world.<ref>GravesHesiod, RobertTheogony, The Greek Myths (Hamondsworth, Penguin Books, 1960), p 136480-494</ref>. Soon the Olympians were ready to take on the Titans On one side was Cronus and this result in a war between the gods his brother and sisters, and they were known as the TitanomachyTitans. The best sources that we have for this myth are Hesiod, sadly several epics that were composed of Zeus and his brothers and sister were known as the Olympians and opposed the events Titans. The Olympians were lost. ==Battle of at a disadvantage because the Gods==Titans outnumbered them.  However, Zeus began was ever-resourceful and had the war with secret support of his father, who was often portrayed as being increasingly old mother and feeblegrandmother. The future ruler Then he freed some of Olympus was able to persuade the Titans, Prometheus and his mother to join him monsters and the Cyclopes that had been imprisoned by Cronus many years before. The Cyclopes were grateful and his sisters and brothers. Zeus had a definite strategy, which was typical of him <ref> Homerin return, Odysseyforged thunderbolts for Zeus. 3.374</ref>They also made a trident for Poseidon and a helmet for Hades. He ordered The future King of Olympus also released the Hecatonchires.<ref>Graves, Robert, who had a hundred hands each to bombard the Titans with stones. Zeus then used his mighty bolts to strike the Titans. The Titans fought back fiercely under Greek Myths (Hamondsworth, Penguin Books, 1960), p 136</ref> Soon, the leadership of Atlas. The war lasted for some ten years and the Olympians emerged triumphantly, and they came Olympians were ready to control the cosmos. Zeus imprisoned all take on the Titans , and Cronus this resulted in Tartarusa war between the gods known as the Titanomachy. HoweverThe best sources that we have for this myth are Hesiod, some sadly several epics that were composed of the Titans events were allowed to escape this fatelost.  ==How did Zeus defeat Cronos? ==Zeus was now began the undisputed ruler of the world and he ruled war with the support of his brothers father, who was portrayed as increasingly old and sistersfeeble. In some accounts, it is recorded that he felt so secure in his power that he allowed the release The future ruler of Olympus was able to persuade two of all the Titans. However, he was far from secure Prometheus, and he still his mother to join him and his sisters and brothers. Zeus had many strugglesa definite battle plan. This according to poets such as <ref> Homer and Hesiod all took place before humans lived on earth, Odyssey. 3. It should be noted that 374</ref>  He ordered the Titan Prometheus made humans and not Zeus, Hecatonchires, who was not had a creator god <ref>Burkert, Walter Greek Religion, (Harvard, Harvard University Press, 2000, section III)hundred hands each to bombard the Titans with stones. Zeus then used his mighty bolts to strike the Titans. ==The Titans revenge==Howeverfought back fiercely under the leadership of Atlas. The war lasted for some ten years, and the Olympians emerged triumphantly. Zeus like many other rulers had made many enemies. In particular, he offended and his wife, family took control of the fiery and unforgiven Heracosmos. The King of Olympus was a philanderer Zeus then imprisoned all the Titans and he had many affairs and children with his mistressesCronus in Tartarus. Naturally However, this enraged Hera, who was not a pleasant character in Greek mythology <ref>Hansen, Randallsome of the Titans were allowed to escape this fate. Zeus was now the undisputed ruler of the world, and William Fhe ruled with the support of his brothers and sisters. Hansen. Handbook of classical mythology (LondonIn some accounts, it is recorded that he felt so secure in his power that he allowed the release of all the Titans.  However, Abc-cliohe was far from secure, 2004), pand he still struggled for control. 167</ref>These struggles took before humans lived on earth, according to poets such as Homer and Hesiod. She was greatly angered when Zeus It should be noted that the Titan Prometheus made one of his illegitimate childrenhumans and not Zeus, the ruler of Egypt. Hera who was enraged and, in her fury, she made not a pact with the defeated Titans. She plotted with them to drive Zeus out of Olympus and to restore Cronus as ruler of the divine. creator god.<ref>Burkert, Walter Greek Religion, (Harvard, Harvard University Press, 2000, section III)</ref> ==The Titans once again under the leadership of Atlas decided team up with Hera to assassinate the rule of Olympus as he was out hunting. Depose Zeus==However, Zeus who was known for , like many other rulers, had made many enemies. In particular, he offended his prophetic capabilities that he saw wife, the danger fiery, and retreated to Olympus. unforgiving Hera. The Titans were emboldened by the support King of Hera Olympus was a philanderer, and they decided to attack Zeus he had many affairs and children with his family on Olympusmistresses. The Olympians were once again badly outnumbered and made Olympus their fortressNaturally, this enraged Hera, who was not a pleasant character in Greek mythology. The Titans tried to climb Mount Olympus but Zeus was helped by Athena<ref>Hansen, ApolloRandall, and ArtemisWilliam F. Hansen. The King Handbook of the Gods hurled thunderbolts at the old gods and eventually, he and the other Olympians cast the Titans down the mountain <ref>Gravesclassical mythology (London, Abc-clio, 2004), p 115. 167</ref>. Then they forced them into Tartarus where they remain to this day. It seemed that She was greatly angered when Zeus made one of his illegitimate children, the king ruler of the Olympians hated AtlasEgypt. Hera was enraged, and, in particular, her fury, she made a pact with the defeated Titans. She plotted with them to drive Zeus out of Olympus and this is why according to legend he was punished by being forced to hold up restore Cronus as ruler of the sky (at least in some accounts)divine. This was The Titans, at least in some once again under the leadership of Atlas, decided to assassinate the myths rule of Olympus as the final victory of Zeushe was out hunting. He and  However, Zeus, who was known for his two brothers divided the world between them. Zeus prophetic capabilities, saw that he was made the Lord of danger and retreated to Olympus. The Titans were emboldened by the earth and the sky. Poseidon was bestowed with control support of the seas Hera and all the waters. Hades was given the underworld they decided to attack Zeus and the realm of the deadhis family on Olympus. All the other gods The Olympians were given particular powers following once again badly outnumbered and rallied to their naturefortress, Olympus.  The earth was not the preserve of any one god and it was a common or neutral ground. HoweverTitans attempted to climb Mount Olympus but Athena, Zeus, PoseidonApollo, and Hades reserved Artemis helped Zeus. The King of the right to intervene on earth if they were summoned. It was also Gods hurled thunderbolts at this time that Zeus made Olympus the home of the old gods<refand eventually, he and the other Olympians cast the Titans down the mountain.<ref>HesiodGraves, Theogony, 480p 115</ref>. ==Zeus and Typhoon==In some myths, Then they forced them into Tartarus where they remain to this day. It seemed that the final defeat King of the Titans Olympians hated Atlas, in particular, and this is why according to legend, he was the end of Zeus ascent punished by being forced to hold up the position of absolute ruler of the worldsky (at least in some accounts). However This was, he was to face one more challenge at least in some of the form myths as the final victory of a huge monsterZeus. He and his two brothers divided the world between them. Typhoon Zeus was made the son Lord of Hades the earth and Gaia, the goddess sky. Poseidon was bestowed with control of the earthseas and all the waters. She Hades was deeply angered by Zeus given the underworld and his treatment the realm of the Titans, who dead. All the other gods were her children, after allgiven particular powers following their nature. She decided to turn her monstrous son Typhoon against him, according to The earth was not the didactic poet Hesiod in his Theogony <ref>Hesiodpreserve of any one god and it was a common or neutral ground. However, Zeus, TheogonyPoseidon, 490</ref>. He is often seen as and Hades reserved the personification of the volcanic forces in Greek mythologyright to intervene on earth if they were summoned. Typhoon who It was a serpent-like monster, who had countless heads which could spit poison challenged Zeus for also at this time that Zeus made Olympus the rule home of the worldgods. <ref>Hesiod describes the world and , Theogony, 480</ref> ==Why Zeus fight Typhoon? ==In some myths, the heavens being shaken by final defeat of the battle between Titans was the two. end of Zeus is portrayed as throwing his thunder and lightning bolts at ascent to the huge serpent and Typhoon spat poison and shot flames at position of absolute ruler of the ruler of Olympusworld. In However, he was to face one account more challenge in the other gods were so afraid form of a huge monster. Typhoon that they transformed themselves into animals to hide from his wrath. Howeverwas the son of Hades and Gaia, all the myths agree that Zeus overcame goddess of the creature known as the enemy of the godsearth. In most She was deeply angered by Zeus and his treatment of the sourcesTitans, the King of the Gods cast the huge serpentine monster into Tartarus with his other enemieswho were her children, after all. HoweverShe decided to turn her monstrous son Typhoon against him, other stories state that Zeus entombed him under Mount Vesuvius and that according to the flames that occasionally shot from the volcano are from Typhoon didactic poet Hesiod in his Theogony.<ref>GravesHesiod, Theogony, p. 113490</ref>. ==Conclusion==Zeus became King of He is often seen as the Gods and the absolute ruler personification of the world by brute force and strategyvolcanic forces in Greek mythology. He Typhoon who was very cunning and used his ability to see what a serpent-like monster, who had countless heads that could spit poison challenged Zeus for the future held to become rule of the foremost Olympianworld. The Succession Myths demonstrate that Zeus was Hesiod describes the monarch of world and the heavens and being shaken by the earth because he was battle between the most powerfultwo. The Greeks like other peoples, such Zeus is portrayed as throwing his thunder and lightning bolts at the Babylonians conceived of their gods as powerful entities huge serpent and not spiritual beings. They respected them because of their power Typhoon spat poison and goodness. Zeus in shot flames at the series ruler of ‘Succession Myths’ was ruthless when it came Olympus.  In one account the other gods were so afraid of Typhoon that they transformed themselves into animals to hide from his wrath. However, all the seize myths agree that Zeus overcame the creature known as the enemy of the gods. In most of the sources, the King of the Gods cast the huge serpentine monster into Tartarus with his other enemies. However, other stories state that Zeus entombed him under Mount Vesuvius and that the flames that occasionally shot from the volcano are from Typhoon.<ref>Graves, p. 113</ref> == Conclusion ==Zeus became King of the Gods and the absolute ruler of the world by brute force and strategy. He was very cunning and used his ability to see what the future held to become the foremost Olympian. The Succession Myths demonstrate that Zeus was the monarch of the heavens and the earth because he was the most powerful. Like other peoples, such as the Babylonians, the Greeks conceived of their gods as powerful entities and not spiritual beings. They respected them because of their power and goodness.  In the series of Succession Myths, Zeus was ruthless when it came to the seize of power. However, he arguably did not have any choice. He rose to power, by waging a war against the older gods. However, he arguably did not have any choice. He rose to power by waging war against the older gods, the Titans, the Titans and defending it against them and the monster Typhoon. These myths are similar to other myths around the worldworldwide, which focus on the rise to supremacy of a ruler-god.

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