Who is Zeus and why is he the most popular god of Olympus?
Zeus is the lord of all the supreme gods and mortal men. He represented in Greek mythology the power of life and the elements of nature. God of thunder and lightning, as well as the father of all life. Everything that enveloped the universe and everything it was permeated with was in one way or another related to Zeus. Ethically and morally, he was the link that united all mankind and was the central core of the entire universe. The god of thunder and lightning guarded treaties and secrets, and patronized the poor and needy.
All temples where Zeus https://whoiszeus.ca/ was worshipped had no roof, and temples in honor of other gods were completely enclosed. Thus Zeus was the personification of the heavenly vault, for the Greeks believed that in a closed sky he would not be able to behold them.
What was Zeus famous for?
Zeus was the ruler of the whole world and the king of heaven, on his will and wishes depended the destinies of many deities and people. As the mighty and majestic he defended with dignity the honor of his celestial state, which was called Olympus.
Zeus ruled over human destinies, in connection with this the most important of the year were dedicated to him. All sorts of feasts and worship rituals were arranged in his honor. Zeus was also welcomed during the harvest of grapes and other heavenly gifts. Zeus patronized religion, customs, marriage, hospitality, and international law. With his faithful blessing many things that were very significant for history and all earthly and heavenly existence were given a go ahead. Zeus was also the god of prophecy and ancient predictions. He broadcast his future with, thunder and lightning, as well as his fantastic flight in the sky. He often communicated through birds' voices and dreams. It was considered a good sign to see Zeus in a dream - the day is sure to be happy and successful
The Worship of Zeus
Phidias reproduced the most perfect ideal of Zeus in a statue of this god at Olympia. The statue was based on a scene from a poem by Homer. This statue represents Zeus as the all-powerful ruler who is everywhere conquering and mercifully fulfilling people's requests. He is represented here sitting on a golden throne, 165 meters high, on a huge pedestal. The body itself was made of ivory, and the garment that descends to his hips is of gold. The statue possessed the following characteristic features: hair rising in the middle of the forehead and falling in luxurious curls on either side; then a forehead, clear and light above and mightily rounded below; deep lying, wide open, rounded eyes; a large, thick beard, a broad chest and a strong physique with emphasized musculature. This statue served as a model for many subsequent depictions of Zeus.
Zeus was worshipped throughout the ancient world and he, more than anyone else, was worthy of the best praise from the people who worshipped him, treated him with deep respect and believed that he could save them. Zeus was clearly meant to save people; he was a kind of guide for them to a world of eternal bliss and pleasure. But often the god of thunder and lightning was extremely harsh and punished those who did not honor him and swore in his name in various situations. For example, he often turned gods and people into stone, thereby depriving them of their feelings and further prospects for eternal life forever. It is safe to say that in the fear and awe of Zeus lay his power. Zeus was feared, but not feared. Justice was rightly considered one of his virtues. Furthermore, the supreme god was wise and prudent. No one dared to contradict him or argue with him, for he always spoke the truth and guided his earthly adherents to the path of righteousness.