The Philandering Zeus

Hera

The wife and sister of Zeus; the goddess of marriage, often depicted as regal, often enthroned, topped with the “polos,” a tall cylindrical crown worn by some major goddesses. She was pictured as carrying in her hands the pomegranate, a symbol of fertile blood and death. Her union with Zeus produced four children, namely: Ares (god of war), Hebe (goddess of youth), Eileithyia (goddess of childbirth) and Eris (goddess of discord). Most of all, she was best known for her jealous and revengeful spirit, not only toward the mortals who opposed her like Paris (who earned her ire by picking Aphrodite as the most beautiful goddess) and Pelias (who desecrated her temple) but especially toward her husband’s mistresses and their children by him.

Danae

The daughter of King Acrisius of Argos and Eurydice. Frustrated by his lack of male heirs, Acrisius sought an oracle and was told that he would be killed by his daughter’s son. Intending to keep her daughter childless, he locked her up in a bronze tower or cave, where Zeus came and had intercourse with her in the form of a golden shower, impregnating her. Not long after was born the hero Perseus, who would become the slayer of Medusa and the rescuer of Andromeda; and who would also unwittingly fulfill the oracle when he accidentally struck his father with a discus in an athletic contest.

Europa

A Phoenician princess. Zeus, very much enamored with Europa, transformed himself into a tame white bull and was able to blend in quite well with her father’s herds. While Europa was busy picking flowers, she noticed the bull and stroke him, eventually climbing onto his back. Zeus, not one to miss a golden opportunity, ran toward the sea and swam to the island of Crete, where he exposed his real identity, made her the first queen of the island and lavished her with many gifts. Three sons were born to them: Minos, Rhadamanthus and Sarpedon, all of whom became judges of the dead in Hades upon their deaths.

Alcmene

The daughter of Mycenaean king Electryon, and wife of Amphitryon. During her husband’s absence, she was visited by Zeus, who assumed the likeness of her husband and slept with her for three consecutive nights. Shortly thereafter, she slept with her husband upon his return; and would eventually give birth to twins: Iphicles by her husband; and Heracles (Roman Hercules) by Zeus, who was best known for his many adventures featuring extraordinary feats of strength and courage.