The first reason that proves Zeus’ importance is his back-story. He was the one who defeated his father, along with the other Titans, and took over as king. Zeus is the youngest child of Cronus and Rhea, who were Titans. After Cronus defeated his own father, he took over power with his wife, but like his own father a prophecy was made saying one of his children would overthrow him (Leadbetter). “When Earth and Sky foretell that Cronus …show more content…
13)” (Kaplan 662). Cronus wanted to prevent this from happening to himself so he began to swallow his newborn children whole. This kept his children inside of him where they could do no harm to him. Rhea became distraught at losing her children and decided to gain help for Gaia to save her youngest son from being swallowed (Leadbetter). “Before Rhea gave birth to her son Zeus, she asked Gaia and Ouranus for a plan to elude her husband, Cronus, who had swallowed all of her other children. Rhea was given a stone wrapped in blankets” (Waese 8). The trick had worked and Cronus swallowed the rock instead of his newborn son. A year after Zeus birth, he was fully grown and strong enough to take on his father. He fought with Cronus and in the end he caused him to throw up his siblings who helped Zeus overthrow the old king (Terry 119). Zeus saved his siblings, but in doing so he angered the other Titans who did not want the young God to rule. He was recognized as a mighty warrior and a great leader during the