Zeus, Europa, Io, and The Muses Sabrina Dauphin Jordan Ingersoll

Zeus

‘The Supreme Ruler’, ‘Lord of the Sky’, ‘Rain-god’, ‘Cloud-gatherer’. God of the heavens. The symbols of Zeus were the scepter, the throne and the thunderbolt. Zeus' tree was the oak tree and his sacred animal was the eagle. When Zeus was born, his mother hid him from his father who had eaten his five other children. When Zeus had grown up, he returned to his father’s home and made Cronus regurgitate his brothers and sisters. Zeus led a war against the Titans in which he won. He and his brothers divided the universe between themselves and Zeus gained the heavens and sky. “I am the mightiest of all. Make trial that you may know. Fasten a rope”

Parents: Cronus and Rhea Spouse: Hera Children: Athena, the Muses, Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon* Siblings: Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Hera, Demeter Zeus controlled thunder, lightning and rain. He is also known to have caused thunderstorms. He had an uncontrollable adulterous nature and a weakness for women. In Homer's epic poem the Iliad he sent thunderstorms against his enemies. The planet, Jupiter, is named after Zeus’ Roman equivalent. Many of its moons are named after Zeus’ lovers and children. *Many of Zeus’ children are unlisted because he had over 140.

Io /

‘An Argive princess’ ‘The daughter of Inachus’ Io was represented by a white cow or a gad-fly Io was an Argive princess and the daughter of Inachus, an ancient hero. She was also one of the many human “loves” of Zeus. Was turned into a cow by Zeus and was watched by Argus. However, Hermes saved her. Walked to the river with a gadfly biting her, but was changed back to human in Egypt.

Parents: Inachus, Spouse:,siblings:, Children: Epaphus Descendants: Cadmus, Perseus, and Hercules. While Io could easily make allies, she also complained and put the blame on others. Ionia, or the western coast of Asia Minor, is named after her because she reputedly ran down this coastline while she was being pursued by Hera's gadfly. When Hermes rescued Io, he killed Argus, whose eyes became the tail of the peacock, a bird associated with Hera. Like Europa, Io is also the name of a moon orbiting Jupiter.

Europa

‘A Phoenician Princess’ Europa is usually seen riding on the back of a bull, often with one hand on its horn. Europa was a Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus (who was disguised as a beautiful bull), raped by him, and subsequently abandoned. She had three sons for him.

Parents: King Agenor of Sidon and Telephassa Spouse: Asterius Siblings: Cadmus, Cilix, Phoenix Children: King Minos, Rhadamanthys, Sarpedon, Carnus, Dodon/Crete Europa is fertile, beautiful, and is associated with dreams, herbs, and divination. However, some argue that Europa did not fight hard enough to get off the back of the bull and goes along happily A moon of Jupiter is named after her and the continent of Europe named for her.

The Muses

“Inspiration for artists, poets, philosophers, and musicians.” “Leaders of arts and science” The Muses were Greek goddesses who led the arts and science. They were believed to inspire artists, poets, philosophers, and musicians. During Zeus’ affair with Mnemosyne, he lay with her for nine consecutive nights, making the Nine Muses. They entertained the gods as a celestial choir on Mount Olympus. They became deities of intellectual pursuits. Each muse has her own distinctive symbol: Calliope: (often holding a writing tablet). Clio: (often holding a scroll). Erato: (often playing a lyre). Euterpe: (often playing flutes). Melpomene: (often holding a tragic mask). Polymnia: (often shown with a pensive look). Terpsichore: (often shown dancing and holding a lyre). Thalia: (often holding a comic mask). Urania: (often holding a globe).

Parents: Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory) Children: Orpheus, Rhesus, Eumolpus Each had their own ability: Clio- history Urnia- astronomy, Melpomene-tragedy Thalia-comedy Terischore-dance Calliope-epic poetry Erato- love poetry Polyhymnia- songs to the gods Euterpe- lyrical poetry No weaknesses. From their name words such as music, museum, mosaic are derived. Many poets and lyricist also opened their works with ‘O Muse’ when needing inspiration.

Sources "Europa (mythology)." Princeton. N.p.. Web. 9 Dec "the story oF IO." Projects by Students for Students. Oracle Thinkquest. Web. 9 Dec Garside, Adam. "Io.". Encyclopedia Mythica, 25 Apr Web. 9 Dec 2013.