Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

The king of the Olympian gods, Zeus is a central figure in both Greek myth and the Percy Jackson universe. Zeus looks like a handsome man with dark hair, and in keeping with his power over the sky, he has “eyes as blue as the sky, though they could cloud over very fast when he got angry” (39). He plays a role both in his own myths and in those of all the other key figures in Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods—Olympians, Titans, and humans alike—and he’s as much a product of his past as he is of his status. As the leading force overthrowing Kronos, Zeus believes he’s above reproach and that his actions are unquestionable. He answers to no one and does as he sees fit in punishing mortals, chasing women, and controlling the gods. Thus, Zeus thematically exemplifies The Effects of Power Dynamics and how absolute power can corrupt. However, Zeus displays caring for Earth and for the gods and other beings in his land, even if this kindness is partly motivated by his desire for respect.