The Greatest of all Mothers
Mother Earth

 

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The very first known celebrations in honour of mothers were held in ancient Greece during the spring. Greeks paid tribute to Gaea (Mother Earth)  who gave birth to all living beings and to her daughter Rhea, The Mother of the Gods. Rhea was the titan of "Earth and Fertility", both sister and wife to Cronus. However Cronus, after having been told that he would be dethroned by his own son, swallowed his own offspring at birth. Rhea tricked Cronus by saving her son Zeuss and giving Cronus a rock to swallow instead.

When Zeus grew up he forced his father to disgorge his five siblings: Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. He also revolted against Cronus and the other Titans, defeating and banishing them to the underworld, Tartarus.

Cronus himself managed to escape to Italy, where he ruled as Saturn. The period of his rule was said to be the "Golden Age" on earth, honoured by the "Saturnia Feast" or Cronia.

After overthrowing his father Zeus drew lots with his brothers Poseidon and Hades. Zeus won the draw and became the supreme ruler of all the Gods and formed the Olympians. The Olympians are a group of 12 gods. They are named after their dwelling place Mount Olympus and all are related in some way.

Zeus is the lord of the sky, the rain god. His weapon is a thunderbolt, which he hurls at those who displease him. He is married to Hera,but, is equally famous for his many affairs. He is known to punish those who lie or break oaths.