The cult of Zeus in the world: mythology, popularity of the name

Zeus is the main god in Greek mythology, and in Roman mythology is identified with Jupiter, god of thunder, of the sky, and the supreme deity of the Romans. This mythical creature inspired artists like Schiavone, Veronese, G. von Balen and others, and was often used by writers and playwrights. Given all the characteristics of Zeus, his name is actively used by modern man in various spheres of activity. The name of the ancient Greek god is used for companies and law offices, men's clubs and recreational facilities of all kinds. The site sigeneration.ca has described all the features of this image

Zeus in mythology

Zeus is a formidable punitive force, often associated with fate, he bestowed shame and conscience on human beings. Zeus, the god who lives on Olympus, is the administrator of earthly good and evil, as well as of social order. Zeus protects the wronged and protects the praying, he is the protector of the family and home, he makes sure the customs and traditions are followed. He represents the third generation of gods, replacing the Titans. According to various versions Zeus was born on Crete or Phrygia.

Zeus bound himself to marriage more than once - he had three official wives - Metida, Themis, Hera. As well as wives, the most important Greek god had many lovers:

  1. Demeter - goddess of fertility, patroness of farmers.
  2. Mnemosyne was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia.
  3. Leto - Titanida in Roman mythology, mother of Artemis and Apollo. The illegitimate children of Zeus.
  4. Europa - daughter of Phoenician king, whom Zeus kidnapped and took to the island of Crete, appearing before her in the image of white bull.

Zeus had intimate connection with Lamia, Io, Eurinome, Leda, Ofreima and beautiful youth Ganymede, son of Trojan king Tros. The god of lightning is ascribed a relationship with Fetid, who later became engaged to King Peleus and bore him a son, the famous Achilles.

Zeus had many children who, according to mythology, represent groups:

  • The Muses - patron of the arts, poetry and the sciences. Born of Mnemosyne - Terpsichora, Melpomene, Urania and 6 other daughters.
  • Charitas - three goddesses of merriment, born of the Oceanides Eurynomas.
  • Kypra - born of love to Aphrodite.
  • Curetes - demons of vegetation, born to Hera.
  • Ors - goddesses of the seasons, born to Themis.

Zeus is also considered to be the father of other children, some of whom are deities - Athena, Artemis, Dionysus, Hermes, Ilithyia, Hephaestus, others.

Zeus' popularity in the world

Zeus has his own paraphernalia:

  1. Eagle.
  2. Zeus' lightning bolt - a three-pointed pitchfork with jagged edges.
  3. A double-edged axe.
  4. The sceptre is a symbol of royal power.
  5. Eagles harnessed to a chariot.
  6. Aegis - a cape.

One of the most revered in ancient Greece is the Temple of Zeus. The first mention of the building dates back to the X-IX century B.C. The foundations of the temple were laid in the VI century B.C., during the 52 Olympic Games. The temple remained standing for ten centuries, until 406 AD, when the Emperor Theodosius II ordered all temples in Olympia to be destroyed as a reminder of pagan worship. Only fragments of the temple remain, which are stored in two museums: the Archaeological Museum at Olympia and the Louvre in Paris.

In addition to the temple, a huge statue by Phidias was a symbol of the worship of the thunder god. It ranked among the Seven Wonders of Antiquity. Phidias used ivory, wood and gold to make the statue.

Where the name Zeus is used in contemporary culture

Zeus is mentioned by several providers in their captivating games. His image is used by directors in TV series and feature films.

Game themes

Zeus' name has been successfully used by slot machine developers. In November 2022, the provider Skywind introduced the release of their new work. The Zeus Kingdom of Riches slot machine is offered with a 5x3 field that increases in size during the bonus rounds. In the main rounds, payouts are awarded on 20 active lines, during freespins on 30-40 strips.

The slot has high volatility and a decent betting return of 96.5%. The detailed symbols and colourful animation appeal to players as much as the bonus spins. The thematic pictures are Pegasus, Zeus, harp, eagle, axe, temple and axe. The slot offers a risk game after each successful main spin, there is a Wheel of Fortune.

Equally interesting to online casino customers is the slot machine Clash of Gods, which appeared in online casinos in 2020. The main characteristics of Clash of Gods are:

  • high volatility;
  • Payout percentage - 96.5%;
  • paylines - 243;
  • the opportunity to win the progressive jackpot;
  • re-spins;
  • freespins.

Other gambling games with the character of Zeus include Greek Gods, Zeus, and Age of the Gods.

Films and serials

The world film library consists of pictures with Zeus in a leading or supporting role:

  • "Battle of the Titans" (2010) is an action-adventure film about Perseus, who challenges the god of the realm of the dead, Hades, who is responsible for the deaths of his loved ones. The ancestor of Hercules soon learns the truth about his origins. He learns to wield the power he is endowed with by right of succession.
  • "Wrath of the Titans" (2012) - Ten years after his extravagant duel with Krenn, the battle for power over the Earth heats up again with renewed vigour. The Olympians are growing weaker, Zeus is no longer able to cope with the responsibilities of ruling the planet. Perseus learns that the thunder god is in danger - Ares and Hades want to kill him.
  • "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963) - The film is based on the ancient Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who set out in search of the Golden Fleece. The support of Zeus helped Peelius seize the throne of Thessaly, killing the rightful ruler, Aeson. Jason, son of the murdered ruler, not realising it himself, saves his father's murderer.

In total, there are more than 30 pictures featuring Zeus - animated and feature films. In 2020, the series "Blood of Zeus", an animated film about the Olympic gods defeating the titans, was released. The cardinally opposite in concept and narrative is the 1991 4-part mini-series The Weapon of Zeus. The story is about a group of Soviet scientists who create a secret weapon - it is supposed to be the means of victory in a multi-year war with the United States.