ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 is concerned with the mythology of Zeus in his nature as supreme ruler of the universe. It returns to the succession myth to examine how he established that position, by revolting against Cronos and the Titans with the help of his brothers and sisters, and also of the Cyclopes and Hundred-Handers, and defeating them in the Titanomachy. The second part of the chapter deals with Zeus’s marriage to Hera and how he completed the Olympian circle by fathering additional divine children outside his marriage. The mythology of Ares, Hebe, and Eileithuia is discussed in this context. The final part of the chapter describes various revolts that were mounted against the power of Zeus and the Olympian order, first by the Giants, then by the monstrous Typhon, and thirdly by two gigantic brothers, the Aloadai, who piled up mountains to try to storm Olympos. It is explained in conclusion how Prometheus opposed the authority of Zeus in another way to bring benefit to human beings and suffered terrible punishment as a result; the myth of the first woman, Pandora, is considered in this connection.
