Greek Mythology: Titans vs. Olympians

Olympian Verticality

• Zeus, the king of the Olympians, battled the forces of chaos.
• The Titanomachy was a significant conflict between the Olympian gods and the Titans.
• Hades, lord of the Underworld, represented the chthonic forces.

The Vertical Axis

• The vertical axis in Greek mythology depicted a hierarchical structure of the cosmos.

• Olympus, the home of the gods, was located at the top of the vertical axis.

• The Underworld (Hades/Tartarus) was positioned at the bottom, representing the realm of the dead.

• The middle section represented the realm of Earth.

• The distance from heaven to the Underworld was enormous, and significant in terms of myth. A bronze anvil would take nine days to fall from the top to the bottom.

Zeus and Hades

• Zeus, the king of the Olympians, reigned supreme.
• Hades ruled the Underworld.
• The distinction between the realms is key to understanding their power and function.

The Vertical Axis (Diagram)

• The diagram illustrates the cosmos divided into top, middle and bottom sections, with the top representing the realm of the gods (home of the gods)
• The middle section represents Earth and the bottom section representing the Underworld
• The diagram highlights important figures, celestial bodies and their placement
• The concepts of heaven, earth and the underworld are presented in a symbolic representation of the cosmos

The Vertical Axis (Additional Insights)

• The polarity of the cellar (Underworld) and the attic (Olympus) creates a duality.
• The opposition of the roof (rationality) and the cellar (irrationality) provides a framework for understanding human imagination
• The vertical axis in myth represents different perspectives, and contrasting forces.

Verticality & Symbolism

• Sky: symbolizes transcendence, infinity and cosmic rhythms.
• Earth: embodies motherhood and creation, while containing the depths of chaos
• Cave: a symbolic space, where divine and human meet
• Darkness: represents primordial chaos and the potency of darkness in death's realm

Greek Myth: Mount Olympus & Hades/Tartarus

• Mount Olympus was home to the Olympian gods.
• Titan, Gaia and others resided in the middle space between Olympus and Hades.
• Hades/Tartarus represents the realm of the dead.

The Titanomachy

• The Titanomachy was the war between the Olympian gods and the Titans.
• Image/representation of the Titanomachy was common based on the importance of the conflict

Titans vs. Olympians

• The Titans, led by Kronos, clashed with the Olympians.
• The battle took place on the plains between Mount Othrys and Mount Olympus.

Mount Olympus

• Hesiod, Homer and other accounts offered different perspectives on Mount Olympus.
• The concept remains a symbol of the lofty existence of the gods and heavenly realm.

Importance of Metis

• Metis, the intellect and cunning, played an important role in Zeus' victories.
• Prometheus, advised Zeus to utilize both brute force and strategy.

Zeus' Helpers

• The Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires aided Zeus in the Titanomachy.
• Cyclopes offered the thunderbolt, and Hecatoncheires provided strength.

Defeat of the Titans

• Zeus, with the help of his helpers, defeated the Titans.
• The Titans were imprisoned in Tartarus.
• The triumph of Zeus was crucial to establishing order

Zeus is King

• Zeus established order and stability in the cosmos.
• Other Olympian gods were assigned roles and tasks supporting Zeus' rule

Challengers to Zeus: Typhoeus/Typhon

• The monstrous Typhon posed a significant threat to Zeus.
• Typhon represented the chaotic and primal forces
• Typhoons strength, and 100 serpent heads were all a major threat.

Challengers to Zeus: Giants

• The Giants challenged Zeus’ power, but this was also later defeated and destroyed.
• The Giants fought the Olympian Gods, but, again lost and were imprisoned

Zeus: The King of the Gods

• Zeus' victory over the Giants solidified his reign.
• Zeus remained the center of cosmic order, separating light from dark
• The realm of the gods, the light, remains separated from the underworld (or the dark)

Zeus - Father of Gods and Men

• Zeus's name appears in various cultures.
• Both Sky and Weather God, known as god/day.
• Zeus's worship included specific locations and practices

Zeus (Additional Details)

• Zeus's marital status evolved as part of the myth and tradition.
• Zeus's role varied in some accounts and evolved over time.
• Zeus’ family and relations show how power structure was developed over time.

Temples to Zeus

• The earliest temples dedicated to Zeus were frequently outdoor buildings

Zeus - Father of Gods & Men

• Zeus embodies powerful, cosmic order, and holds the highest power amongst the Olympians
• Zeus is polymorphic, meaning he can change form, demonstrating this creative power in the myth

Zeus and Cosmic Order

• Zeus possessed various titles or figures, in relation to the wider community’s place/ role in society.
• The titles were often related to aspects of order and justice, or guardianship.

The Top (of the Vertical Axis)

• The tension between the earthly mountain and the celestial Olympus represents the distinction between the physical and spiritual realms.
• The locations of various figures, and their movements within the vertical axis, further emphasises that duality.

Olympus/Ouranos

• The concept of Olympus as a significant, well-defined, physical location is depicted.
• Aspects of Olympus like gates, gates, appearance and structure are included

Demeter & the Vertical Axis

• Demeter and Persephone's abduction was central to agricultural myth.
• Her grief symbolized the importance of Persephone’s role in nature’s cyclical events.
• The vertical axis is interwoven with the divine aspects

Hades & Persephone

• Hades's position as ruler of the Underworld is evident through various accounts.
• Persephone's abduction and role as wife of Hades underscore the duality between the realms, and the cyclical process of nature.

Hades, Lord of Shadows

• Hades's role in the underworld included roles in judgment and ensuring the dead were safeguarded.

The Vertical Axis

• Opposite to Zeus was Helios, known for bringing visibility and light.
• Other figures included in relevant depictions relate back to their function in the cosmos.

Tartarus

• Tartarus, a place beneath Hades, was a formidable prison for dangerous forces.
• The role of Tartarus as a prison for enemies of the gods is emphasised
• The role of Tartarus as the place where Titans were placed
• The concept of Tartarus is emphasised as being the center / focal point of darkness

Isles of the Blessed

• The Elysian Plain contained ideal places for some mortals who died.
• There are multiple accounts of mortal fates, or places that some mortals who died, went to, after death

Isles of the Blessed

• Pindar and, others further developed the concept of Isles of the Blessed
• The descriptions of the inhabitants and rituals show how gods and men might reside in the same space

Sources

• A list of various sources which provide additional information about the topic

Explore the crucial role of Metis in Zeus's strategy against the Titans and understand the significance of the Cyclopes in this epic battle. Delve into the interrelations of these mythological figures and their impacts on the outcome of the Titanomachy.