Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology, was known for his numerous affairs and children. It's difficult to give an exact number because various accounts provide different lists of his offspring. However, Zeus is generally believed to have fathered over 100 children.
Here are some notable examples:
- Athena: Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts, born from Zeus's head.
- Apollo: God of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and the sun.
- Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, childbirth, and the moon.
- Ares: God of war, violence, and bloodshed.
- Hephaestus: God of fire, metalworking, and crafts.
- Hermes: Messenger of the gods, god of commerce, thieves, and travel.
- Persephone: Queen of the Underworld, wife of Hades.
- Dionysus: God of wine, theatre, and festivity.
- Heracles: Son of Zeus and Alcmene, a demigod known for his strength and heroic deeds.
- Minos: King of Crete, known for his role in the Minotaur myth.
Zeus's children were born from his relationships with both goddesses and mortal women. His affairs often led to conflict and drama in the Olympian pantheon.
