Zeus is the greatest of the Olympian gods. He is the son of Cronos and Rhea, brother of Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, and Demeter; and husband of Hera. Zeus had Ares, Hephaestus, and a daughter (Hebe) by his wife Hera.

When Rhea was pregnant with Zeus, she feared for his life since Cronos had destroyed their other children. Cronos feared one of them would overthrow his kingdom. As the birth of Zeus neared, Rhea asked Uranus, another god, for advice. He found a cave where she gave birth and hid Zeus from Cronos.

Zeus's cradle was hung in a tree so he wasn't touching the sky or ground to prevent Cronos from becoming aware of the child. The Curetes (minor deities) danced in armor and drummed to drown out the crying sounds of baby Zeus.

He was nurtured on milk from the goat Amalthea and young Zeus broke off one of her horns. He later endowed it with magical properties so it was perpetually filled with whatever sustenance the possessor desired. It became known as the horn of plenty or cornucopia. Once the goat died, Zeus honored its memory by creating the Aegis of Zeus from its hide. This magical shield produces storms, tempests, and intense darkness when shaken. A hundred serpents dangle from it like tassels. Merely looking upon it strikes fear in the hearts of men. Zeus used this Aegis when he battled and conquered the Titans.

After defeating the Titans, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades divided up the government of the world. Poseidon obtained the sea, Hades the lower world, and Zeus the heavens and upper regions.

Zeus dwells on Mount Olympus as the most powerful among the immortals, whom all others obey. He is the founder of kingly power, and law and order. He avenges those who are wronged, and punishes those who commit crimes. He watches the doings and sufferings of all.

Zeus's first wife Metis bore him Athena to whom he gave his Aegis. When Perseus gave Athena the head of Medusa, she placed it on her shield, making the Aegis even more terrifying than it had been before.

Zeus is also father to other deities by other marriages. Demeter had Persephone; Mnemosyne the Muses; Maia (daughter of Atlas) bore him Hermes; and Leto had Apollo and Artemis.

Zeus is depicted with a sceptre, eagle, thunderbolt, statue of Victory, and sometimes a cornucopia. He is often seen wearing a wreath of leaves on his head.