It was because of this affair that the beautiful winged horse Pegasus was born. This new Medusa had snakes for hair and a horribly ugly appearance that would turn any animal or human into stone. Athena was infuriated at this, so she took it upon herself to change Medusa into a terrible monster. Their affair took place in a temple dedicated to the goddess, Athena. Poseidon had an affair with the beautiful Gorgon, Medusa. Thus Zeus began his reign as King of the Gods and controller of the sky. They fought alongside him and were so happy at being free, that they gave Zeus thunder, the thunderbolt, and lightening. Zeus released the hundred-handed monsters and the Cyclopes from the Underworld. He then started a war against Cronus and the other Titans that lasted for ten years. Once he was old enough, Zeus returned and had Cronus throw up all of his brothers and sisters. Rhea managed to sneak her son away and hide him until he was old enough to return and stand against his father. When he and his siblings were born, his father Cronus swallowed all of them because he had heard that one of them would end up dethroning him. Zeus was the saviour of his brothers and sisters. He often used it when he wanted to sneak around without anyone noticing him. Hades was also known to possess a special helmet that turned him invisible. He is often depicted as holding a bird-tipped scepter, being darkly bearded, and having a very regal heir about him. Hades ruled the Underworld and the hidden riches of the earth. His powers of controlling the sea often came about when his temper got the best of him. He is most associated with the trident and was thought to look very sturdy with a giant, bushy beard like his brother, Zeus. Poseidon was the ruler of the sea, earthquakes, droughts, and horses, He is often described as the “earth-shaker” for his ability to cause massive earthquakes. A royal sceptre and an eagle are also often associated with him. He was said to always have his lightning bolt in hand. He is often depicted as a very muscular man with a giant bushy beard. Zeus was the ruler of the sky, the weather, law and order, and fate. The closest could be the underworld goddess, Melinoe, although it was said she was actually produced by Zeus and Persephone when Zeus took the form of Hades. It is unclear if Hades ever had any actual children that were his own. He was married to Persephone who was the goddess of spring. Like Zeus, Poseidon also had mortal sons, one of which was King Pelias. Poseidon also had affairs that led to the giants Otus and Ephialtes, as well as the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Together they had the gods Triton, Rhode, and Benthesicyme. He was married to Amphitrite who was a nymph and goddess of the sea. He was also known to be the father of Heracles and Perseus, both mortal Greek heroes. Some of his children include Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Hermes, and Dionysus. Although Hera was a very jealous wife, it didn’t stop Zeus from having many affairs. Zeus was known to have many, many children. He was married to his sister, Hera, who Queen of the gods and the goddess of marriage and family. What is the Difference Between Zeus, Poseidon and Hades? - Family His temper and greed were traits he shared with his brother, Poseidon.īut this is by no means the complete answer, lets continue to find out more. Hades was also known to be shrewd, greedy, and had a temper that could be brought on for no reason. He tended to keep to himself and didn’t interact very often with the other gods. Hades ruled the Underworld and the wealth of the earth. He was most known for carrying a trident and dishing out his vengeance or help to wayward sailors. He was responsible for earthquakes, floods, and terrible sea storms. And, whereas Zeus ruled the sky, Poseidon ruled over the sea and horses. He was most known for his lightning bolt and judgement over other gods and mortals. He was the most influential in winning the battle against Cronus. Zeus was said to be the King of the gods. Their relationships, families, events, and the outcomes of those events were also influenced by the part of the world in which they ruled. The places where each brother ruled shaped their personality and abilities. Drawing lots, it was decided Zeus would be ruler of the heavens, Poseidon would be ruler of the sea, and Hades would be ruler of the Underworld. This came about when a decision made after the brothers had beaten their father, Cronus, and the other Titans-gods in a great battle. Zeus, Poseidon and Hades were responsible for their own part of the Greek universe. So what is the difference between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades? They are considered to be three major Greek gods, but that is where their similarities end.
Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades were all known to be the sons of Cronus and Rhea.