Cronus, sometimes spelled Cronos or Kronos, or Saturn in Rome from Greek: Κρόνος, Krónos, in Greek Mythology, is a main antagonist in the Greek myths.
He was the father of Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hera, Hestia and Demeter and the leader and youngest of the first generation of Titans, the divine descendants of the primordial Gaia (Mother Earth) and Uranus (Father Sky). He overthrew his father and ruled during the mythological Golden Age. He was ironically overthrown by his children Zeus and his older siblings and imprisoned in Tartarus.
History[]
Overthrowing Ouranos[]
According to Greek Myths, Cronus was the youngest of the twelve Titans, children of Gaia and Ouranos, the sky. His father locked the Hekatonkheires and Elder Cyclopes deep within Tartarus. Gaia, fed up with her ex-husband's antics, offered the scythe to her remaining children, the Titans, for them to take vengeance against Ouranos and free their brothers. Cronus was the only one willing to confront his father. He recruited his older brothers Hyperion, Koios, Krios and Iapetos in ambushing Ouranos. Cronus took the scythe and cut his father to pieces. His blood spilled on the Earth, and within it, the Gigantes, and Erinyes are born. Cronus threw Ouranos' genitalia into the sea foam as a way to mock his brother Okeanos refused to help them. Within it, Aphrodite was born from the sea. Afterwards, Cronus scattered his father around the world as he could not reform. He takes over as the new ruler of the universe but never released his brothers, earning Gaea's anger. In some stories, Ouranos cursed his son to suffer the same fate he did. He split the world among the four brothers who helped Cronus.
Tyranny[]
Cronus precede to marry his sister, Rhea and have six children with her: three daughters, Hestia, Demeter and Hera and three sons, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. At first believing Hestia to be a Titaness, he learned that he and his wife had begun a new generation of races. However, in fear of his father’s prophecy, Cronus consumed his five eldest children. Rhea, on the other hand, managed to give birth to her youngest son, Zeus on another island. He was raised by the nymphs on Mount Ida in Crete and milked by Amaltheia. Fearing Cronus would hear Zeus' crying, Rhea sent Nymphs to make noise so loud, Cronus would never hear him.
Being Overthrown[]
Zeus, having heard stories about his father by Rhea, grew fed up with Cronus' cannibalism and tyranny. He became Cronus' cup-bearer, and Zeus gave his father a mixture of mustard and either nector or wine. Cronus vomited his five older children and learned that the cupbearer was his youngest son. The six gods escaped and declared war. In the ten long years, the gods and titans' war, the Titanomachy, forcing Cronus and the Titans. Cronus' brothers, the Hundred-handed giants and Zeus razed Mount Othrys’ peak with his lightning bolts. Cronus was toppled from his throne by Zeus, who confronted his evil father. Zeus then took Cronus' scythe and like his father did to his grandfather, cut Cronus into pieces and threw him into the depths of Tartarus
Appearance[]
Kronos is sometimes depicted as a tall, powerful man with a black or grey hair and beard, blessed with well proportioned features and dressed in simple robes. Alternatively, he is depicted as a skinny old man with wispy grey hair and beard and a wicked expression.
Power and Abilities[]
- Chronokinesis: Kronos could control the effects of time, even when he was imprisoned in Tartarus.
- Chlorokinesis: Kronos was the Titan of Plants and Agriculture therefore having powers over plants and vegetation.
- Atmokinesis: Being the Lord of Heavens, Kronos had that ability, though it was probably lesser compared to Zeus.
- Raw Strength and Stamina: Being a Titan, Kronos was physically strongest of the Titans, only surpassed by Atlas.
- Psychological Manipulation: Kronos was said to be the Crooked One, because he used a lot of cunning and deceit to win support.