Rhea

Definition

Rhea is a Titaness in Greek mythology, known as the mother of the Olympian gods and goddesses, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, and Hades. She played a crucial role in the Titan Dynasty as the daughter of the sky god Uranus and the earth goddess Gaia, symbolizing fertility and motherhood. Rhea's significance is highlighted in her struggle against her husband, Cronus, who devoured their children to prevent them from overthrowing him, which ultimately led to the rise of Zeus and the Olympians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rhea is often associated with motherhood and fertility, which is evident in her title as the 'Mother of Gods.'
2. To save her children from Cronus, Rhea hid Zeus in a cave on Crete and tricked Cronus into swallowing a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes instead.
3. Rhea played a pivotal role in helping Zeus gather allies for his rebellion against Cronus and the Titans.
4. After Zeus's victory, Rhea was honored among the gods and often depicted as a nurturing figure or goddess.
5. In some myths, Rhea is identified with Cybele, a goddess associated with nature and fertility, further emphasizing her maternal attributes.

Review Questions

• How did Rhea's actions contribute to the eventual rise of Zeus and the overthrow of Cronus?
  • Rhea's actions were crucial for Zeus's survival and later success. By saving Zeus from being swallowed by Cronus, she ensured that he would grow up strong enough to challenge his father. Rhea’s cunning plan to deceive Cronus by giving him a stone instead of Zeus showcased her resourcefulness. This act allowed Zeus to gather allies and ultimately lead a revolt against Cronus and the Titans.
• Discuss the relationship between Rhea and other Titans during the Titan Dynasty.
  • Rhea had significant connections with other Titans as both family and allies. Being a daughter of Uranus and Gaia made her sister to many Titans. Her relationship with Cronus was particularly complex; though they were married, it became strained due to his tyrannical behavior. Ultimately, her loyalty shifted towards her children as she sought to protect them from Cronus's wrath, setting up a major conflict in mythological history between the Titans and Olympians.
• Evaluate Rhea's role in Greek mythology compared to other female figures like Gaia or Hera.
  • Rhea’s role can be viewed as central to understanding motherhood and familial loyalty within Greek mythology. Unlike Gaia, who represents primordial earth and creation but later becomes embroiled in conflicts with her children, Rhea embodies nurturing qualities while actively participating in her children's fate. Compared to Hera, who often displays jealousy and vengefulness towards Zeus's affairs, Rhea remains steadfastly protective of her offspring. This comparison highlights varying aspects of femininity in mythology, where Rhea stands out as a symbol of selflessness and resilience amid adversity.

Related terms

Cronus:

A Titan who is Rhea's husband and father to many Olympian gods; he swallowed his children to thwart a prophecy about being overthrown by one of them.

Titans: A race of powerful deities that ruled during the Golden Age before the rise of the Olympians, descendants of Uranus and Gaia.

Zeus:

The youngest child of Rhea and Cronus, who ultimately led the revolt against the Titans and became the king of the Olympian gods.