Greek Mythology: The Titans

The Titans and Kronos

• The Titans were the first rulers of the universe in ancient Greek mythology, led by Kronos.
• Kronos overthrew his father to seize control but was a tyrannical ruler.
• Fearing his children would dethrone him, Kronos devoured them; Rhea saved Zeus by tricking him into eating a rock instead.

Zeus and the Olympians

• Zeus grew up and forced Kronos to regurgitate his siblings: Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Poseidon, and Hades.
• Zeus united his siblings and allies, known as the Olympians, to wage a ten-year war against the Titans.
• The Olympians aimed to overthrow Kronos and establish their own reign over the world.

The War Against the Titans

• During the war, Kronos and the Titans prepared for a final confrontation with Zeus and the Olympians.
• Zeus released the Hecatoncheires, monstrous giants, imprisoned by Kronos, to aid in the battle.
• He also freed the Cyclopes, who crafted powerful weapons for the Olympians.

Weapons and Strategies

• The Cyclopes provided Zeus with lightning, Poseidon with a deadly trident, and Hades with an invisibility helmet.
• Hades used his helmet to infiltrate the Titan camp and dismantle their weapons undetected.

Conclusion of the Conflict

• The battle ended with the defeat of Kronos and the Titans, leading to looming consequences for them.
• Kronos was imprisoned in Tartarus, with the Hecatoncheires assigned as his guards.
• Atlas, a prominent Titan, was condemned to hold up the sky for eternity.

Establishment of New Order

• Post-war, the Olympians convened at Mount Olympus to distribute their dominion over the world.
• The Olympians vowed to rule more justly than the Titans, sharing territories and responsibilities.
• The conclusion of the war marked the beginning of a new era in the mythological hierarchy.