Homeric Hymns

Familial and Intergenerational conflict are closely related. Zeus’s rule arose from intergenerational conflict, as he overthrew his Titan father, Cronus. However, Zeus attempts to foster relations amongst the different gods of the pantheon. In other words, he functions as a mediator instead of an oppressive ruler. He accomplishes this by birthing his own children, who are therefore likenesses of their father.

Despite his efforts, however, several of Zeus’s offspring pose a threat to his rule, most notably Apollo and Athena. As the eldest and most powerful son, Apollo could threaten Zeus’s rule and his established order. Apollo’s authority is evident even when he first enters Olympus; “All gods but one shake while he is striding toward them / Through Zeus’s house, drawing his glittering bow” (19). The other gods present at Apollo’s arrival realize the young god’s great strength, yet Zeus exercises his authority by remaining seated. But while the tense scene could have given way to a fight, Zeus offers Apollo “nectar in a gold cup” and greets his “cherished son” (19). Once Zeus establishes a reciprocal relationship with his son, Apollo’s place within the pantheon is solidified, and the other gods can finally sit.

Athena’s birth garners a similar reaction amongst the gods, as even Helios stops his golden chariot in the sky: “Olympus spun / Frighteningly from the gray-eyed young girl’s power” (91). Yet her palpable power does not threaten her father, and her birth out of Zeus’s skull symbolizes both her connection to him and her embodiment to wisdom. Much like her brother Apollo, Athena is the “joy of wise Zeus” (91), and the two share the aegis shield. By sharing the aegis shield, Zeus recognizes Athena’s power and establishes a reciprocal relationship with his daughter. All of Zeus’s actions, whether resolving conflict or integrating a new god, are done with the goal of preserving the entire pantheon.

Hera’s jealousy is also closely linked with familial and intergenerational conflict. Angry about her husband’s infidelity and ability to produce children without her, Hera creates her own heir to the throne, Typhaon. She does so with the hope that Typhaon would be stronger than Zeus: “Give me a child apart / From Zeus, but just as strong—no, even stronger, / As Zeus was stronger than his father Cronus” (30). Her wording here is important, as she specifically asks for a child apart from Zeus—a child who is not an extension of Zeus and with whom he cannot establish a reciprocal relationship. Further, she recalls Zeus’s overthrowing of Cronus, directly referencing intergenerational conflict. Her wording condemns Typhaon to death, as he will never be fully integrated into the pantheon and will always pose a threat to Zeus’s rule. Typhaon’s earthly and monstrous appearance further underscores his isolation from the other gods. Pytho, the serpent to whom Hera gives Typhaon to raise, comes to embody Hera’s own rebellion against Zeus. Therefore, Apollo’s defeat of Pytho simultaneously asserts his allegiance to Zeus and puts an end to Hera’s rebellion.