Zeus, the king of the gods, is an important part of the Greek pantheon, and Zeus' family tree is complex and fascinating. One look at the family tree of the Greek gods and goddesses provides a glimpse at just how many consorts and children he had. However, to really see the dozens of relationships, including the marital, adulterous, bizarre, and incestuous, that surround the king of the gods, it helps to have a family tree devoted just to Zeus.
Interactive Family Tree of Zeus
Zeus is the son of Cronus, the leader of the Titans, and Rhea, the Titan goddess of fertility. Although Hera was his only wife, he had many extra-marital relationships. This interactive family tree lets you see all of Zeus' consorts and children.
How to Use This Family Tree
As the king of the Olympian gods, Zeus has hundreds of family relationships, and it's easy to get them confused. To use this tree, simply click on the name of the god or person about whom you need more information. For instance, if you click on Hera, you will see that she is the queen of the gods and Zeus' only wife. You can also get more information about his children by clicking on their names.
Surprising Facts About Zeus' Relationships
You can use this family tree of Zeus to see some surprising facts about his relationships, such as the following:
- Zeus was said to be the father of at least 24 mortals, including kings, queens, seers, and other notables.
- Zeus' concubines include many different types of beings, such as nymphs, mortals, mermaids, goddesses, pleiades, and titans.
- Hera, Zeus' only wife, is said to have had a jealous nature. Her reactions to Zeus' many lovers and illegitimate children result in much drama and intrigue throughout Greek and Roman mythology.
- Zeus and Hera actually have the same parents and are full brother and sister. They are also married.
- When he seduced Leda, mother of Pollux, Zeus appeared in the form of a swan.
Some of Zeus' Most Famous Relatives
Zeus is related to some of the most important gods and goddesses in Greek mythology, as you can see by looking at the family tree:
- Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, is Zeus' daughter and has her own complex family tree.
- Ares, also know as Aries, is Zeus' son and the Greek god of war, and he also plays an important role in the Zodiac.
- Eros, the god of love, is the son of half-siblings Aphrodite and Ares and is the grandson of Zeus, as you can see by looking at Eros' family tree.
Siblings of Zeus
Although it's beyond the scope of this interactive family tree of Zeus, he did have five siblings:
- Hestia - goddess of the home and hearth
- Demeter - goddess of fertility, farming, and the earth
- Poseidon - god of the sea
- Hades - god of the underworld
- Hera - goddess of marriage and birth
Gain a Better Understanding
Whether you're simply curious about the king of the gods or need to clear things up as you study Greek mythology or literature, a family tree is an indispensable tool. Zeus and his relationships figure heavily in many myths, so understanding his family tree can help you better understand the stories that surround him.
