| “ | Apparently I'm 'morally corrupt,' whatever that means. | ” |
| ― Zeus, Ep 2 |
Zeus is the God of the Sky and Thunder and the King of the Gods. He is a member of the 6 Traitors Dynasty. He is the youngest child of Kronos and Rhea, youngest brother of Hades and Poseidon, the husband of Hera, the father of Eris, Hephaestus, Eileithyia, Athena, Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, Hebe, and Aiakos, Minos, and Rhadamanthus, and the grandfather of Eros, Storge, Agape, Ludus, Mania, Philautia, Philia, Pragma and Asclepius.
Appearance
Zeus is a God with royal purple skin and matching long hair. When using his powers, his hair rises, as if by wind, and lightning will appear around it.
While on Olympus, Zeus wears stark white clothing, favoring business suits and dress shirts. While in the Mortal Realm, Zeus wears Greek robes in shades of white and purple. Zeus has the ability to change his form into that of a purple swan with orange legs and beak.
Biography
The Titanomachy
Zeus was born the third son and youngest child of the Titans Kronos and Rhea. Before him were his older brother Poseidon and his oldest brother Hades (at the time known as Aidoneus). His father Kronos consumed his first two sons in order to thwart a prophecy that his children would be his undoing. His mother Rhea, unable to bare losing another child to Kronos, swapped Zeus with a boulder and had Zeus raised in secret to later rescue his brothers. When Zeus was older, he fed his father a poisonous plant that helped him free his brothers. At some point, Zeus became acquainted with Metis, as well as her creation Hera, who Zeus became infatuated with.
Together with his brothers, Hades and Poseidon, Zeus started a rebellion against the tyranny of the Titans. Alongside them were the three goddesses Hera, Demeter, and Hestia, known in the present day as the 6 Traitors Dynasty. Together the 6 rebelled against the tyranny of the Titans in a war known as the Titanomachy. During the rebellion Zeus and Hera concocted a plan where Hera would seduce Kronos and slowly poison him over time with the same plant Zeus had used to free his brothers. Despite the protests of Metis, as well as the other traitors, Hera would go on with the plan. Eventually, even Zeus disliked his own plan, as it seemed to work too well for his liking. Around this time, Zeus also devoured Metis to absorb her powers as a fertility goddess.
Towards the end of the war, Kronos discovered Hera’s deception. On the field of battle, he grabbed Hera and split her in two, giving her the X-shape scar she has on her stomach in the present day. Thanks to her sacrifice and Zeus's newfound power from devouring Metis, the 6 traitors were able to defeat Kronos.
Born to be Purple
Despite Zeus’s attempts to comfort Hera, he was never marked by Kronos and could never understand the pain that Kronos left the other traitors. After the end of the war, Hera found comfort in Hades as he empathized with her over being scarred by Kronos. Zeus, jealous of how close the two were getting, manipulated Hades into becoming the ruler of the Underworld and imprisoning Kronos, so as to keep him and Hera separated. Although Hades asked Hera to come with him, she declined, as she was offered to become the Queen of the Gods if she married Zeus. Over time, Zeus proved himself to be an incompetent ruler and would frequently cheat on Hera over the millennia of their marriage. Hera, in retaliation, would have her own long-term affair with Hades to get back at him.
Over the next thousands of years, Zeus would sire three children with Hera: his daughter Eris, his sons Ares and Hephaestus, and most recently his daughter Hebe. Zeus also had another daughter, Athena. However, her status as a daughter of Hera is unknown.
At some point, Zeus had an affair with Hera's longtime friend Leto, which caused Hera to exile her to the Mortal Realm. Unbeknownst to both Zeus and Hera, Leto became pregnant by Zeus with the twins Artemis and Apollo. Their parentage was kept a secret.
Seemingly around the 80s, Zeus convinced Hera that his affairs were a result of the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros manipulating his sexual desires, although this did little to stop him from continuing to sleep with other women (including his secretary Thetis) and forcing his subjects to hide his lovers from Hera whenever he would be caught. One year, Zeus went to Demeter in the Mortal Realm to hide one of his lovers. When she refused his request and even lashed out at Zeus for his infidelity, Zeus responded by burning her crops.
Zeus would also be responsible for accidently introducing Hades to his toxic girlfriend Minthe when the two attended a car show together.
A year before the start of the story, Zeus discovered that his grandson Eros was responsible for murdering 300 mortals in an unpermitted act of wrath, and that he was harboring a mortal named Psyche in Olympus without a permit. Before he could punish his grandson, Aphrodite seduced Zeus into sleeping with her to drop the charges.
Lore
Family Brunch is Mandatory
While hosting his 1500th Panathenaea, Zeus started to flirt with Hera in front of his brother Hades who he questioned regarding his date, making the already awkward situation more uncomfortable. Later while drinking with his brothers, Zeus continues to poke fun at them by reminding Hades he didn’t have a date and inviting Odysseus to aggravate Poseidon. While drinking, Hades noticed a pink goddess with Artemis and became immediately smitten with her. Zeus introduces her as Persephone: Goddess of Spring and Demeter’s daughter. This surprises Hades as he never knew Demeter had a daughter and wonders why he has never heard of her to which Zeus explains that Demeter chose to raise Persephone in the mortal realm because she believes Zeus is morally corrupt. While admiring her beauty Hades comments that she is more beautiful than Aphrodite, oblivious to Aphrodite standing right behind him when he said this. Wanting to approach her without Artemis interfering, Zeus helps Hades by distracting Artemis. Zeus approached Artemis and Persephone and compared her archery skills to her brothers, which enraged Artemis and enticed her to prove her marksmanship. Unbeknownst to Zeus or Hades, Eros intercepted Persephone while Zeus and Artemis were talking and lead her away from the party.
Zeus later learned from Eros that he put Persephone in Hades car while everyone was distracted. The next morning, Zeus called Hades to remind him they are still meeting for family brunch. Hades, while in the company of Persephone, tries to get out of attending until Zeus commands him to come, much to Hades’ reluctance.
Arriving at a strip club with his brothers, the three kings were denied entry for their past transgressions such as sexual harassment (done by Zeus), property damage (done by Poseidon), and poaching employees (done by Hades). Hades managed to compensate the club owner by paying for the damages. Zeus and Poseidon begin interrogating Hades about his night with Persephone. Hades at first tries not to talk about Persephone until Poseidon provokes Hades by saying he'll take Persephone as a second wife. Hades admits that he is smitten with Persephone but insists that he and Persephone just had a nice conversation and would have had more to say if Zeus didn't drag him to a strip club in the morning. Zeus, oblivious to his earlier actions, insists that Hades should have told him when he called but Hades and Poseidon glare at Zeus, reminding him that he commanded they come, which Zeus admits he is at fault for.
Hades believes that he should simply give up on the idea of being with Persephone as he does not believe she would want to be with him, and the fact that he is technically still with Minthe. Zeus and Poseidon groan at the mere mention of Minthe's name, however. Hades reaches into his pocket and reveals an engagement ring and that he was planning to propose to Minthe at the Panathenaea, but she never came. When Zeus and Poseidon react in disappointment and shock that Hades would choose to marry Minthe, Hades reminds them that they have queens, and he did not. While Zeus and Poseidon sympathize with Hades, they still believe he deserves better than Minthe. Hades crushes the ring upon hearing their words.
As a nymph waitress arrives with their drinks, Zeus continues to talk about Persephone and how Hades could at least admire her beauty. Hades says that she possessed a melancholic quality he couldn't quite put his finger on which Zeus snickered at as he recalls Hades saying last night how he wished he could live between Persephone's thighs. Hades denies saying such things until Poseidon confirms Zeus's claims. Zeus questions how Hades and Persephone could be intimate given their height difference which Hades jokes that she could go top, as he wasn't fussy. The nymph waitress, after overhearing their remarks snaps her fingers and transforms, revealing herself to be Hera, frightening the three kings.
Personality
Zeus is cheeky, not afraid to make remarks and wisecracks at the expense of his brothers. He gets along well with them and appears to care for their best interests, despite his sometimes-crude way of showing it. Zeus can be very stubborn, especially when it comes to Hera, the prime example being how he treats her suspicions concerning Apollo. He is promiscuous, unscrupulous, and frequently dishonest when it comes to relationships. He is also incredibly egocentric, taking offense when others do not cater to him or happen to disagree with him. Hades describes this sensitive and ill-tempered aspect of his personality as "Only Child Syndrome."
Relationships
Parents
Kronos
Kronos is Zeus' father. After Kronos ate Hades and Poseidon in front of Rhea, she couldn't bear for her newborn son Zeus to suffer the same fate. She was told to switch Zeus with a boulder to trick Kronos, so that Zeus would be safe and grow up to free his brothers. Eventually he led the war effort against Kronos. Hera, Zeus' girlfriend and future wife, was the most desirable woman at the time, even to Kronos. Because of this, he would use Hera to seduce Kronos and poison him over time, but the plan worked too well for his liking and Zeus became jealous. Zeus later devoured the Titan Metis in order to overpower and defeat his father. After the war was done, Zeus "rewarded" Hades with imprisoning Kronos.
Rhea
Rhea is Zeus' mother. After Kronos ate Hades and Poseidon in front of her, she couldn't bear for her newborn son Zeus to suffer the same fate. She was told to switch Zeus with a boulder to trick Kronos, so that Zeus would be safe. After many years, Rhea would get to meet Zeus as a young god and reveal to him his origin and his duty to save his brothers and stop Kronos. As she began to enter hibernation, she advised her son to seek Metis, a Titan and fertility goddess who can aid him in his war against Kronos.
Siblings
Hades
Hades is Zeus' oldest brother. Most of the time, they don't see eye to eye, and Hades is frequently annoyed when Zeus demands him to tag along on his mischief. Zeus was the one who saved Hades, and Poseidon, from their father Kronos and ever since, Hades felt a great deal of gratitude towards his younger brother. It's because of this that Hades put up with Zeus' behavior in the later years. The three brothers would grow close, but it didn't stop Hades from growing feelings for Hera, Zeus' girlfriend at the time. It's unknown when Zeus and Hera started their relationship and if he was ever aware of a kiss between Hades and Hera when Hades was first saved.
Zeus and Hades become Kings.
When Zeus and Hera came up with a plan where Hera would deceive Kronos and slowly poison him, Hades was greatly against this plan and pleaded with Hera to not go through with it. After Kronos discovered the plan and tore Hera in half, Hades and Hera found themselves growing closer as Zeus could not truly understand what she was going through. Zeus, seeing the two feelings for one another, stepped in and asked Hades if he wanted to be King of the Underworld. He also gave Hades their Father so Hades could keep him in the Underworld, but Zeus claims it was because Hades had gone through the most with Kronos that Hades should be the one to oversee his confinement. It's unknown if Zeus knew about Hades' proposal to Hera afterwards or Hades sleeping with Hera for many years before stopping in the "80s."
Despite the complication that came because of their affection for Hera, Zeus does, however, try to look out for Hades, and he is not without advice and encouragement regarding relationships. He recognizes that Hades' relationship with Minthe is unhealthy and attempts to convince his brother to leave her. He constantly drags Hades along to a number of places, often demanding his attendance. He can be kind to his brother when he gives him advice, telling Hades not to settle for Minthe as an "okay Queen of the Underworld" and telling him he needs an "excellent Queen of the Underworld."
Hades annoyed with Zeus.
Zeus appears to be supportive of the relationship between Hades and Persephone and was greatly upset with Hera when she showed Hades a photo of Persephone with Apollo, to anger him. Noticing how hurt his brother was, he argued about how much Hades cared for her and even suggest Hera talk to Demeter about the possibility of a relationship. When Hera decides to put Hades through a test to see just how strong his feelings are for her and Persephone arrives unannounced while Hades is visiting Hebe, she forces the two to stay for dinner. When Zeus makes a comment about Persephone being a vegetarian, Hades kicked Zeus under the table. When she goes outside to start on Hera's garden and Hades goes to follow, Zeus teasingly tells him that grass stains are hard to remove. While the couple is outside, Zeus and Hera spy from above and Zeus is shown to be quite happy seeing Persephone "coming onto" Hades. However, the couple overstay their welcome and prompts Zeus to come out later in a bathrobe and order the two to stop canoodling in Hera's garden.
Zeus tries to help Hades with Persephone.
When Hades is struggling with his feelings regarding Persephone when he is in a relationship with Minthe, Zeus goes as far as telling Hades to kidnap Persephone and making her his bride, saying he wouldn't stop Hades from doing so. Hades states that he could not do such a thing and wants Persephone to marry him because there in love. Zeus states love will mean nothing if she joins The Goddess of Eternal Maidenhood. Later on, when Zeus confides in Hades late at night over his struggling relationship with Hera, Hades remains kind and supportive, recommending Zeus think on it later and try to sleep.
Later on, Zeus and his son Ares get into a fight when Ares discovered Zeus slept with his longtime girlfriend Aphrodite as a way for Zeus not to punish their son Eros. Zeus calls his brothers with a code red and when Hades, he is unintentionally caught in the crossfires and receives a blackeye. The fighting stops when Ares accidentally injuries Hera and she then orders everyone to leave her home. Zeus then gets his brothers to join him in the Mortal Realm where Hades discovers Semele, Zeus' new mortal girlfriend. When Semele's father catches her and Zeus in bed, the brothers return home and Zeus confides in Hades late at night over his struggling relationship with Hera and Hades remains kind and supportive, recommending Zeus think on it later and try to sleep.
After discovering Persephone's act of wrath that was covered up by Demeter and Hermes, Zeus wants to put her on trial to "make an example" of her with a punishment that was similar to the one Prometheus was in without consulting Hades and Poseidon with the excuse that Hades was biased. As a result, Hades has claimed he only puts up with Zeus' crap and nonsense because he saved his life from Kronos. Their relationship is strained when Hades refuses to hand Persephone over to Zeus and the latter states she was only using his brother. Both brothers were in shock with Zeus's statement, making it seem he does regret his words, but has no time to apologize as Hades hangs up on him.
After Apollo's mother, Leto captures Demeter for him to give to Zeus, Zeus has Hermes deliver the message that Persephone's trial will begin the following day. Hades in furious by Zeus' need to go through with the trial when Persephone has done nothing to threaten Zeus. Later that night, Zeus receives a voicemail from Hades stating it matters not that they are blood and Zeus have better be prepared to deal with the consequences for proceeding with the trial. Although this does not change his mind, Zeus is concerned by the voicemail.
Zeus tries to defend himself.
As the trial begins, Hades makes a public statement that he has no intention of blindly supporting his brother. After hearing from the reporters that Apollo has gone to Zeus about a marriage between him and Persephone, Hades is furious and goes to confront Zeus head on. Unknown to Hades, Apollo was present and begins to taunt him about playing house with Persephone. Despite their current state, Zeus orders Apollo to leave for antagonizing Hades. Once gone, Hades glares at Zeus as he explains how he only told Apollo he would consider it but had no plans on allowing the marriage to happen. Like Hades, Poseidon is disappointed in him. Hades warns Zeus that Persephone is afraid of Apollo before leaving.
As the trial officially starts, Persephone nominates Hades as her lawyer, which he accepts, much to Zeus' shock and anger. Once Thanatos starts his testimony and Hades angrily argues back, Zeus decides to let Hades continue as it was entertaining but shortly stops him in order for Thanatos to finish. With Thanatos explaining how the plan to expose Persephone was all Thetis', she soon arrives with a cursed Minthe, but Zeus forgot seemingly forgot Minthe was Hades' former girlfriend for many years and needed to be reminded by Poseidon.
Not long after Zeus reveals that he has Persephone's ledger that Thanatos stole from her room and can "prove" Persephone has been planning to undermine Hades' authority as King of the Underworld. As Zeus present the ledger, Hades angrily grabs his tie and tells him to shut up to allow Persephone the chance to defend herself. When Persephone explains the plans in her ledger were not to undermine Hades but a project, she wished to present to him, he believes her. Hades becomes frustrated over the fact Zeus would believe that her ledger was proof of treason but also the idea that someone like her could never do something nice for him because it was him. He further explains how Zeus only thought of such things because it was him and no one else.
With the ledger out of the way, Hades begins to defend Persephone as her lawyer and explains how Persephone's case should have been an Underworld matter from the start, but he was cut out of the decision by Zeus. He then asks Persephone about the day she committed her act of wrath where she explains how several flower nymphs were killed by humans that trespassed Demeter's land. Both Ares and Athena were upset to discover such important information was withheld from the court and further proved that Persephone did not commit her act of wrath out of cruelty or without reason. Hades would then call out the hypocrisy of Zeus's treatment towards Apollo and Artemis against Persephone as both parties did not receive a permit to commit their act of wrath, but the twins were praised and given medals while Persephone is being held accountable and put on trial which clearly upsets Zeus. As Hades finishes his defense, Demeter asks to speak to Persephone alone and Zeus decides to end the first day of the trial. However, their relationship is now severed until as Zeus exiled Persephone to the mortal realm with no communication to Olympus or the Underworld. Due to this Hades leaves the courtroom enraged, telling Zeus and all the other gods to prepare to live with the consequences. After failing Persephone again after ten years, it is shown that their relationship has fallen even lower, as Persephone was officially made an Underworld citizen, and breached the treaty between Olympus and the Underworld. This led to Hades placing restrictions on imports to Olympus until Zeus returns Persephone.
Poseidon
Zeus defending Poseidon.
Poseidon is Zeus' older brother. Poseidon appears more agreeable to hangouts with Zeus than Hades is, tagging along with little complaint. The two appear to be closer to each other than to Hades, more knowledgeable of what the other is doing, and more often than not seen with each other. Zeus is aware of how to get his older brother upset as he brought Odysseus to his party and only did as it was entertaining to see Poseidon upset. Poseidon shows disapproval of Zeus acting on his own without his or Hades' input as he believes them supposed to discuss it as a group. When Zeus sends out an arrest warrant on both Persephone and her mother Demeter without Hades or Poseidon's knowledge or consent, both older brothers knew Zeus did it because of his status as "King of the Gods."
The brothers meet again as the trial begins and despite Hades making a public statement that he will not be siding with Zeus during the trial, Poseidon chose to stay by his younger brother's side. When Hades confronts Zeus about a reporter claims about Zeus considering a marriage between Apollo and Persephone, Poseidon is shown to be rather concern about the two brothers fighting yet again. As Zeus tries to defend himself by saying he was only considering it, Poseidon looks at him with disappointment which makes Zeus further defend himself by stating the marriage would not really happen.
As the trial begins, both brothers are rather shocked when Persephone discovers a loophole so that Hades can act as her lawyer. When Hades reveals that Persephone only got her internship after a bet, both brothers agree that it was a legitimate way to gain a job. As Hades angrily goes off on Thanatos, Poseidon asks Zeus if they should stop but Zeus says the scene was entertaining. When Thetis arrives after Thanatos' testimony with a cursed Minthe to show the court, Zeus forgot who Minthe was which resulted in Poseidon in reminding him that Minthe was Hades' ex. Their relationship becomes strained after Persephone's forceful banishment and according to Poseidon, Persephone herself is the closest thing the Underworld would have as Hades's queen after realizing that Zeus has shouldn't done that.
Romantic
Hera
Zeus and Hera in the past.
Hera is Zeus' s wife. According to Hades, Zeus "chose" Hera during their war with the Titans, preventing the other Gods from pursuing a relationship with her. It appears they had a good relationship in the past, based on their apparent happiness in portraits, but still had many issues. Hera also had an attraction to Hades, Zeus's oldest brother, as well, something Zeus seemed to have noticed. Seemingly some time before the two entered a relationship, Zeus had a fling with Metis, Hera's mother, and the two kept it a secret from Hera.
Towards the end of the war against Kronos, Zeus's Father, the two came up with a plan that Hera would seduce Kronos and slowly poison him over time. Despite the protest of Metis, Zeus, and others, Hera would go on with the plan which started to anger Zeus as it started to work too well for his liking. After Kronos discovered the plan, he grabbed Hera and split her in two, giving her the X shape scar, she has on her stomach in the present day. It was because if her sacrificed that the war ended but she would be given the name "Golden Traitor" for her tactics used against Kronos. Somewhere during this time, Zeus had devoured Metis in order to defeat his father, Kronos. It's unknown how Hera reacted to this action.
Despite Zeus trying to help Hera during her healing process, she looked to Hades for comfort. It would seem Zeus wanted Hades to be King of the Underworld so that Hades would be further away from Hera. It is unknown if Zeus was ever aware of Hades proposing to Hera afterwards. While their marriage started off happy, it soon suffered due to Zeus' womanizing behavior and numerous affairs, including with Hera's friend Leto. The affair resulted in Hera banishing Leto but was unaware of the fact Leto who was pregnant with Zeus' children, Apollo and Artemis. Zeus and Hera would be unaware of the children for some time. In retaliation to Zeus' affairs, Hera would have her own with Hades for several centuries until stopping in the 80s, but it is unknown if Zeus ever discovered it.
Hera and Zeus spying on Hades and Persephone.
In the current day, their relationship has become tumultuous. They fight constantly arguing over each other's decisions, something that surprises no one in Olympus, including their children, anymore. Hera believes that Zeus is keeping his promise and is trying to work on their relationship, even though he is not trying at all. Despite this, Zeus is unwilling to leave Hera for one of his mistresses, and Hera appears to put up with Zeus' infidelity to a certain point. This appears to indicate they still care for each other on some level. Even with the animosity between them, they have also been seen getting along and having fun together, such as when they excitedly spied on Hades and Persephone from their balcony.
Zeus worries about Hera.
Their relationship is further strained when Hera is frustrated with Zeus consistently dismissing her suspicions about Apollo causing Persephone harm and Thetis sending Hera nudes of Zeus through a burner phone, confirming that he was once again cheating on her. When Hera was accidentally hit by their son Ares, Zeus was greatly concern over Hera and angry over their son for hurting her. Hera was furious at the two for their brawl outside of the house and ordered the two to leave.
This prompted Zeus to leave with his brothers to the Mortal Realm and see his Mortal girlfriend, Semele, which revealed he had been cheating on Hera with both Thetis and Semele. When the brother returns to the Underworld, he reveals to Hades that he knows he's a bad husband but truly does love Hera. Despite Zeus acknowledging his flaws, things continue to worsen when Hera finds out an arrest warrant has been issued for both Demeter and Persephone and scolds Zeus about his treatment to Hades after telling him that Persephone is only using him.
The two are shown to be sleeping in different bedrooms when Hera has a nightmare about Kronos and wakes up screaming in pain. Zeus immediately ran to her and helped her into the shower to cool her off while comforting her by telling her his father is gone. Both, however, are in shock and horrified when her old scar from the war is suddenly open. The next day, they called a physician to check on her but Hebe and Hera's new assistant Echo, are in the room with her while Zeus is outside. When their son Hephaestus arrives after discovering Hera's injuries. Zeus is shown to be rather concerned with his visit and fears it would actually do more damage to Hera than good.
During the last day of Persephone and Demeter's trial, Apollo reveals himself and Artemis to be Zeus' children, shocking Zeus and angering Hera in the process. Hera leaves her husband and takes their daughter Hebe with her and is still mad at him for banishing Persephone and Apollo revealing his and Artemis's parentage. Years later, Hera is already aware of what happened to her husband and decides to find Hebe so they can find a way to prove her daughter's innocence, bring back Spring, and punish Apollo for poisoning Zeus into a coma in future chapters.
Metis
Metis is Zeus' mother-in-law and a former fling of his during the Titanomachy. Before his mother, Rhea, seemingly entered hibernation from being drained by his father Kronos, Rhea had advised Zeus to seek Metis to add him in his war against Kronos. Soon after Zeus was able to save his brothers and then meet Metis' daughters, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. The group got along well and sometime after, Zeus and Metis began to see each other but kept it a secret once Metis noticed Demeter and Hera developing feelings for Zeus. It would appear that the fling ended when Zeus and Hera became a couple some time afterwards. However, because they had formed a bond of love, it granted Zeus the ability to use Metis' fertility powers for his own and resulted in him devouring her in order to beat Kronos and end the war.
Although he devoured her, Persephone was able to speak to Metis once entering a temple for the fertility goddesses and reveals that she became a star, hinting that her physical body was destroyed and prevents her from seeing her daughters. While she does show annoyance over Zeus having to devour her, she is able to make peace with it as it ended the war. Metis also believes with her gone; it saved Zeus from Metis ever telling Hera about the past relationship.
Leto
Leto is a Titan Goddess of the Sun, one of Zeus' past mistresses, and the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Leto and Hera were very close friends, until Hera discovered that Zeus was having an affair with Leto. Furious about the betrayal, Hera banished Leto and unknowingly to Zeus and Hera, Leto soon gave birth to twins, Apollo and Artemis. Leto never revealed who fathered her children but the two would later be chosen by Zeus and Hera to be Olympians and live on Olympus. Although he was unaware Apollo and Artemis were his children, others, including Leto, soon realized Apollo became his favorite Olympian.
During the last day of Persephone and Demeter's trial, Apollo reveals himself and Artemis to be Zeus' children, shocking Zeus and angering Hera in the process.
Thetis
Thetis seducing Zeus.
Thetis is Zeus' secretary and one of his mistresses. Thetis has worked under Zeus for some time and whenever Zeus is in a mood, especially after an argument with Hera, he sleeps with Thetis. Afterwards, he tells her that it can never happen again, but she reminds him that he says it every time. It would seem Thetis has made it a goal for Zeus to leave Hera for herself. After she sees Minthe's relationship status with Hades on Fatesbook, she states she needs to step up her game and is jealous over Minthe doing better. Thetis shows little disregards over her actions and shows great hatred towards Hera for being Queen and calls her an "old cow" when seeing a picture of her and Zeus on Zeus' desk.
When Thetis tries to call Zeus after he left work without saying goodbye, he furiously tells her she is not allowed to call him at home and hangs up on her. Not long after, Thetis confides in Minthe of her plan to get Zeus to leave Hera by sending nudes of Zeus, nudes that he sent to other women, to Hera by using a burner phone to confirm he was once again being unfaithful to her. While Hera seems to be unaware Zeus' sexual relationship with Thetis, Hermes, is completely aware of the affair and tells Minthe to tell Thetis that Zeus will never divorce Hera for her.
During Persephone's trial, Thetis would arrive to report Minthe's "murder." As she argues with Thanatos, he snaps and states that Zeus would take Thetis to a country club to which Zeus nervously ask them to stay on topic. Sometime after the trial, Zeus permanently ends his affair with Thetis in anger over her involvement with Persephone's trial and possibly to prevent Hera from discovering their affair. As punishment, Zeus arranged a marriage between Thetis and the mortal king Peleus and banished her alongside Thanatos to the Mortal Realm since Thanatos still had a job to do. However, despite her banishment and ending their relationship, Zeus unwittingly helped Thetis achieve her goal in becoming a queen.
Aphrodite
Aphrodite is Ares' longtime girlfriend and Mother of Eros. Like many other of the Gods, Zeus finds her to be beautiful. At one point, Zeus blamed Aphrodite and Eros for his many affairs, claiming they used their powers on him. Despite the fact she has been with Ares for many years, Zeus accepted sleeping with Aphrodite as a way for him not to give Eros a punishment far worse the Prometheus. When Ares returned from the Mortal Realm Aphrodite break down in his arms and immediately tell him about her sleeping with Zeus, greatly damaging Ares and Zeus' already fragile relationship.
Semele
Zeus with his mortal lover, Semele.
Semele was Zeus' mortal girlfriend, another of his mistresses. While Hades was unaware of her existence, Poseidon knew of her but it's unclear how long they had been seeing each other. Semele was largely naïve concerning their relationship, appearing to be unaware she was another of Zeus' dalliances. Zeus called her "unhinged," but finds it attractive. When her father discovered the two in bed, he was furious and chased Zeus out and challenged him to a fight. Semele, running out in a blanket, begged her father to stop since she was in love with him. Zeus left with his brothers. Years after, Zeus continued to visit Semele on and off until she became pregnant with his child, Dionysus.
Semele's fate.
However, Semele experienced complications with the pregnancy and went into early labor, she passed during the birth. When Zeus learned of this, he felt terrible about Semele's death and learned that their child was going to die soon due to being born early, so Zeus had Asclepius sew Dionysos into his right thigh until he reached full term.
Children
Athena
Zeus is Athena's father and there have been very little interactions between Athena and her father. The two first interact during a meeting with the other Olympians to discuss Persephone's act of wrath and arrest. Athena is later present during Persephone's trial and becomes concerned when Hades reveals that the deaths of Persephone's flower nymph handmaidens occurred at the hands of trespassing mortals. She speaks out, asking her father why this information was withheld.
Eris
Eris is the first child of Zeus and Hera. While it is unknown what their relationship was like when she was a child, in the present-day Eris is disowned by her family due to her dangerous behavior. Upon the conclusion of Demeter and Persephone's trial, she arrives unexpectedly which causes Zeus to become fearful over the realization that it was his own daughter that arrived and laughed at him when he questioned Demeter. Eris spent the trial beside Demeter and encourage her to tell her father how she truly felt about him.
Hephaestus
Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. There is little information regarding their relationship but according to Hecate, he wants nothing to do with his family. When discovering that Echo, Hera's new assistant, reached out to Ares to bring Hephaestus to Hera, Zeus expresses concern over his son coming back into Hera's life.
Ares
Zeus scared of Ares.
Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera. The two are not close as Ares appears to resent Zeus for sending him on long deployments in the Mortal Realm and dislikes when Zeus is rude to Hera. Although Zeus holds authority over everyone, Ares is the only one capable and willing to stand up to his father for his hypocrisy and mistreatment of his family. Ares seems to be the only God that Zeus is afraid of.
Ares now hold greater hatred towards his father after discovering that his longtime girlfriend Aphrodite slept with Zeus in order to prevent their son Eros from being punished. This led to Ares attacking Zeus and turn into a battle outside the house that only ended when Ares accidentally hit Hera.
Hebe
Hebe upset with Zeus.
Hebe is the youngest child of Hera and Zeus, and she often makes them drinks. She appears to love her father, as she is seen being held by him and smiling when her and her mother visited him at work. Although Hebe is not afraid to check her parents' behavior, however, and shows annoyance at both Zeus and Hera when she finds them spying on Hades and Persephone, calling them "perverts." Hebe then gives Zeus the cold shoulder when Ares is no longer living with them, leaving her without a playmate. A few years later, Hebe tells her father that everyone is being punished even him. She is the first child to discover that her father was poisoned by Apollo, who framed her for his own monetary gain.
Eileithyia
TBA
Apollo
Apollo is a younger version of Zeus.
Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto. Leto was once close friends with Hera until Hera discovered Zeus affair with Leto which would unknowingly result in Apollo and his twin sister's birth once Leto was banished. Leto never revealed who fathered her children and despite Hera's initial anger over the affair, it would seem Hera never let it cloud her judgement as Hera and Zeus chose the twins to become Olympians and live on Olympus many years later.
Although he was unaware Apollo and Artemis were his children, others, including Leto, soon realized Apollo became his favorite Olympian. When Queen Niobe of Thebes claims that her family was superior to Leto's, both Artemis and Apollo killed 13 of the Queen's 14 children for insulting their mother and family. Instead of being punished for not receiving a permit beforehand, the two were given medals which further proved Zeus' favoritism.
When Hera asked what he thought of Apollo, he believed Apollo was a younger version of himself. When Hera tries to discuss with Zeus about her vision of Persephone and Apollo possibly being the one who hurt her, Zeus was quick to defend Apollo. He believes it was danger of Hera to make a serious accusation without proof and if Apollo had done anything, it would be a PR mess, make everyone doubt their abilities to choose Olympians, and be completely worthless as Persephone was just a "B graded Goddess."
When Zeus is in the Mortal Realm looking for proof of Persephone's act of wrath, the two meet and when Apollo asks him about wanting to marry Persephone, Zeus refuses and says to Apollo that he is not a good match for Persephone. Apollo arrives at Zeus's house when he hears Hera is feeling ill and tries to once again gain Zeus's blessings to marry Persephone. Zeus, tired with the discussion and Apollo's demanding Persephone be given to him, reminds Apollo who he's speaking to. Apollo quickly changes the subject before leaving, telling Zeus that his mother sends her regards.
After Leto, Apollo's Mother, captures Demeter, she gives her to Apollo as a way for him to bargain and gain Persephone's hand in marriage. Once Apollo delivers her, Zeus tells Apollo he will reconsider the proposal, but Apollo took it as a yes and has started to tell the paparazzi that the engagement will be underway soon. When Hades discovers this, he immediately comforts his brother only to discover Apollo was there as well. The two start to argue until Zeus stops them and orders Apollo to leave for antagonizing Hades. Zeus then defends himself by telling Hades and Poseidon that he only said he would consider it but had no plans on acting on it.
As the first day of the trial ends, Hades calls out the hypocrisy between Zeus' treatment towards Apollo and Artemis against Persephone as both parties did not receive a permit to commit their act of wrath, but the twins were praised and given medals while Persephone is being held accountable and put on trial which clearly upsets Zeus.
During the last day of Persephone and Demeter's trial, Apollo reveals himself and Artemis to be Zeus' children, shocking Zeus and angering Hera in the process. However, his plan to claim Persephone ultimately failed not only because that the Goddess of Spring is his future aunt but also the future queen of the Underworld which his father forcefully banished. Years later, Zeus learns from both his grandson and granddaughter-in-law that Apollo is planning to overthrow him but ends up in a coma because of him after knowing that handwriting wasn't Hebe's.
Artemis
Artemis is the daughter of Zeus and Leto. Leto was once close friends with Hera until Hera discovered Zeus affair with Leto which would unknowingly result in Artemis and her twin brother's birth once Leto was banished. Leto never revealed who fathered her children and despite Hera's initial anger over the affair, it would seem Hera never let it cloud her judgement as Hera and Zeus chose the twins to become Olympians and live on Olympus many years later.
Although he was unaware Apollo and Artemis were his children, others, including Leto, soon realized Apollo became his favorite Olympian. When Queen Niobe of Thebes claims that her family was superior to Leto's, both Artemis and Apollo killed 13 of the Queen's 14 children for insulting their mother and family. Instead of being punished for not receiving a permit beforehand, the two were given medals which further proved Zeus' favoritism. Despite this, Artemis has shown a strong hatred towards Zeus', and his brothers, many affairs and womanizing ways.
During the last day of Persephone and Demeter's trial, Apollo reveals himself and Artemis to be Zeus' children, shocking Artemis but saddening Zeus over the discovery that Artemis was his child.
Dionysus
TBA
Grandchildren
Eros
Zeus is Eros's grandfather through Ares. Not much is known about their relationship, but it would seem the two have a decent one. Many years ago, Zeus would blame Eros and Aphrodite for his numerous affairs. Years later, Eros would commit an act of wrath when he kept his human girlfriend Psyche on Olympus without a permit. Zeus was ready to punish his grandson and would have if Aphrodite had not stepped in and seduced him. Sometime after this, their relationship seemed to have return to a more playful one as Zeus mentions that it was Eros that told him about Persephone and Hades after the party. However, when Zeus issues a warrant for Persephone, Eros freely goes to see her and states that Zeus has no control over him and can't stop him from seeing her. Eros is present with his parents as Zeus starts the trial against Demeter and Persephone.
Asclepius
Zeus is Asclepius grandfather through Apollo. As Zeus was unaware that he was Apollo's father, he was also unaware of Asclepius being his grandson. Before the discovery, Zeus trusts him enough to call him when it comes eventually learns that Asclepius had a habit of revealing all his patients' medical issues to his father, Apollo so barely put trust into him since. When Semele died from complications to her pregnancy of Dionysos, Zeus made Asclepius sew Dionysos into his right thigh until the infant reached full term.
When it was time for Dionysos to be born, Zeus went to Persephone instead to do the birth. When asked why he didn't go to Asclepius for this, Zeus confesses that Asclepius was a nark who would just report back to Apollo.
Extended Family
Persephone
Zeus's sister-in-law through Hades.
Powers and Abilities
As one of the three Kings as well as the King of the Gods, Zeus holds absolute authority over the entire cosmos, including all four realms and their inhabitants, though his authority seems limited to Olympus. While he and his brothers are equal as rulers of the cosmos, Zeus is able to make decisions without their approval due to his status as the absolute ruler. Zeus has been seen in a portrait wielding a spear. It is possible that his spear can function as a weapon and that he is proficient in using it as such. As a God, Zeus has displayed a variety of powers including:
- The ability to conjure storms and lightning when enraged. He is able to direct lightning to hit a specific target. When using his powers, his hair rises in an invisible wind, and lighting appears around it. His storms can become so powerful he can cause wildfires.
- The ability to teleport, being able to bypass doors and walls. He can teleport to different realms at will.
- The ability to shape-shift. His animal form is a purple swan. He can also disguise himself as a mortal.
- Able to place a geas, an idiosyncratic taboo like being under a vow, on others, first seen when he ordered Hera to stop and she appeared to have to comply with his command. It is unknown how powerful this ability is, or how else it can manifest.
- The ability to fly.
Gallery
Trivia
- Although he is Persephone's father in the original mythology, they are not related in this story. (And neither are any of the couples who were related in the original myths either.)[1]
- According to the 2019 LO QnA, Zeus' favorite drink is appletini.
- In Episode 30, Hera tells Hebe to wake up her sister, but the sister is never given a name. As Athena is believed to soley be Zeus' and Eris has been disowned, it is unknown if they may have another child that lives with them or if the sister was Athena. Although it may be Eileithyia, a minor, and lesser known, goddess of childbirth.
- During Episode 143 of the Podcast Let's Talk About Myths, Baby!, Rachel reveals that Zeus made Athena by himself. Hera, who was jealous of this, made Hephaestus by herself in response.[2] However, this contradicts with Hecate stating in Episode 145 that Zeus has not sired any other "Godly male heirs" besides Ares and Hephaestus.
- Persephone mentions that one reason she may like to join TGOEM is to prevent Zeus from marrying her off as part of a business deal. This implies Zeus has done this in the past, something Hades does not seem to completely deny.
- In Greek Mythology, his mistresses Semele is the mother of Dionysus, the God of Wine and Festivity.