Zeus’s Role in the Illiad

Zeus, the Supreme Greek God In Greek mythology Zeus is king of the gods, ruler of Mt. Olympus, and controlled sky and thunder. In Homer’s The Iliad, Zeus was the supreme god of gods and the overseer of all events that took place during the Trojan War. Because of Zeus’s special skills, he had power greater than all other gods put together, and used it to ensure that events of the war took place the way fate meant for them to. Zeus was the son of Chronus and Rhea. If it was not for his mother, Rhea, Zeus would have been eaten by his father just as all his siblings before him were. When he was born, she hid him and instead gave Chronus a rock wrapped in a blanket. When Zeus was older he cut open his father’s stomach and released the swallowed children. Then, Zeus overthrew his father and became king of the gods. He married the goddess Hera, who was one of his sisters, but he also engaged in many other relationships. According to Allexperts, an online encyclopedia with in depth information about all greek mythology characters, â€Å"Zeus possesses superhuman strength superior to that of any other Olympian, the average male member can lift about 30 tons, though Zeus is capable of lifting at least 90 tons. † (Zeus 1). Zeus had superhuman strength, along with, speed, agility, and godlike reflexes. He also possessed godlike stamina, immortality, and the ability to change shapes, and see the future. â€Å"The grateful Cyclopes taught Zeus how to wield his energy-manipulating powers in battle† (Allexperts 1). Using this ability, he was able to generate large amounts of energy and release lightning bolts. The lightning bolts, bull, eagle, and the oak, were his symbols. In to The Iliad, Zeus ensured that fate took its course in the Trojan War. His supreme power over all made this possible. His power was seen in his confrontation with his wife Hera when she accuses him of plotting secret plans. As a result, the people of Olympus recognized his authority and realized it must never be questioned, and Zeus was worshiped all the more. Using his authority, Zeus enabled destiny to take its course. He ensured fated events took place, such as the deaths of Patroklos, and Hektor. He also prevented Troy from falling at the hands of Achilles. While everyone in The Iliad was taking part in the war in one way or another he claimed neutrality, and tried to keep other gods from intervening. Because Zeus reigned over all others he took part by watching over and overseeing the events to make sure destiny was fulfilled. He consistently attempted to maintain the divine order of things. Parada, Carlos . â€Å"Zeus becomes ruler. † Greek Mythology Link, 1 Jan.