In Greek mythology, Zeus was the principal god of the pantheon and the ultimate ruler of heaven and Earth and of all gods and humankind. The youngest son of the Titan Cronus, Zeus escaped the fate of his siblings. Cronus had swallowed them in fear that one would grow up to depose him, but Zeus was hidden on Crete by his mother, Rhea, who had given her husband a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes in place of her infant son. When Zeus reached manhood he reappeared and, by means of a trick, caused Cronus to vomit up Poseidon, Hades, and the rest of his swallowed offspring. Led by Zeus, they f…