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francescool

Active member
Chronos who is the Greek god of time actually had children! And many as many Greek gods and goddesses do, he had many! He had six children who are known as the Olympians. Their names are Chiron, Zeus, Hera, Posiden, Hades, Hestia and Demeter. They are perhaps some of the most important figures in Greek mythology, which is why it shocks me that so few people know that they are all Chronos' children. Not surprisingling, there was a lot of drama and incest that occurred between these siblings. Let me know if you'd like for me to post more about them!
 
I totally forgot that Chiron was one of the Chronos children. I would love to hear more information about him!
 
Chronos who is the Greek god of time actually had children! And many as many Greek gods and goddesses do, he had many! He had six children who are known as the Olympians. Their names are Chiron, Zeus, Hera, Posiden, Hades, Hestia and Demeter. They are perhaps some of the most important figures in Greek mythology, which is why it shocks me that so few people know that they are all Chronos' children. Not surprisingling, there was a lot of drama and incest that occurred between these siblings. Let me know if you'd like for me to post more about them!
Please do post more and, if available, any information about this myth or theogony: Author or Greek tribe, location, historical period. It's strange that the children were called Olympians while Demeter is the grain-vegetation goddess and Hades is the king of the Underworld. Of course, many myths about a given deity are often inconsistent. E.g., Kore was generated by Zeus and Demeter, while vegetation generation is non-sexual.
 
Chronos is one of the words we use for "time" when speaking Greek.

Δεν έχω χρόνο (den exw hrono) = i don't have time
 
Chronos is one of the words we use for "time" when speaking Greek.

Δεν έχω χρόνο (den exw hrono) = i don't have time
You're right and indeed other languages use "chron-" for "time" in the general sense of the word, as in "chronology" [time-line], but the above post spoke of the myth of personified Time as having children -- whom I found to be logically inconsistent. At the same time, I am not sure of the sense of "having children" when speaking of personified things. For example, in the Latin expression, "Veritas filia temporis" [Truth is the daughter of time], having that daughter means that the truth [the opposite of a lie] will come out sooner or later [will come out in the course of time]. Could it be that the ancient Greek myth-maker meant that the aforementioned six gods were born in time [successively?] on Mount Olympus? In that case, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon were thought of dwelling on Olympus before they resolved the issue of their governance the universe (which we know from other myths), and before Zeus and Demeter were in charge of the earth [Chthon/KhthoniE], wherefore they were thought as the parents of KorE.
 
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I was under the impression that Chronos and Cronos were two different immortal beings. Chronos was the god of time, while Cronos was the King Titan. And Cronos' godly domain was the harvest. That was the one who fathered the elder Olympians. But maybe I am wrong
 
I was under the impression that Chronos and Cronos were two different immortal beings. Chronos was the god of time, while Cronos was the King Titan. And Cronos' godly domain was the harvest. That was the one who fathered the elder Olympians. But maybe I am wrong
That's because they are. They are spelled differently and pronounced differently too.

Chronos is spelled Χρόνος in Greek.. In English, the Greek letter Χχ (chi) is denoted by using "ch" in English, and it is pronounced like an "H" from the back of your throat- it's pronounced more like hronos.

Kronos is spelled Κρόνος in Greek, and Κκ (kappa) is denoted by using a "K" in English, not ch or c because a "ch" represents chi and there is no "C" in Greek. It is pronounced the same way we pronounced a "K" in English.
 

Understanding Hades and the Greek Underworld

I’ve been spending some time reading Greek mythology purely out of curiosity, and I keep coming back to Hades and the Underworld. It’s often portrayed as something dark or frightening, but the more I read, the more complex it seems. Hades himself doesn’t always come across as evil so much as stern, bound by rules, and responsible for maintaining order among the dead.

I’m curious how others interpret the Greek Underworld as a whole. How did ancient Greeks actually understand it? Was it mainly a place of punishment, or more of a neutral destination for most souls? I’ve come across references to different regions like the Asphodel Meadows, Elysium, and Tartarus, and I’m trying to understand how these fit together in the broader belief system.

If you’ve studied this topic, read specific myths, or have favorite sources or interpretations, I’d love to hear how you make sense of Hades and the Underworld.

Favorite Greek hero and why?

I’ve been spending more time lately reading Greek mythology, and I keep coming back to how different the heroes are from one another. Some rely on strength, others on intelligence, and some seem almost defined by their flaws as much as their accomplishments. It makes the stories feel more human than I expected.

Personally, I find characters like Odysseus interesting because of the strategy and endurance involved, but I can also see the appeal of someone like Heracles with the raw physical trials. Achilles is another one who’s hard to ignore because of the intensity and tragedy built into his story.

I’m curious which Greek hero stands out most to others and what draws you to them. Is it their personality, their achievements, or the story itself?

Exploring the Story of Persephone and Spring

I’ve recently started learning more about Greek mythology, and I keep coming across the story of Persephone and how it’s connected to the arrival of spring. The idea that her return from the underworld brings life back to the earth is really fascinating to me, especially how it ties into the seasons in such a symbolic way.

I’m curious how others interpret this myth beyond the basic explanation. Do you see it more as a story about nature and seasonal change, or is there a deeper emotional or psychological meaning behind it? I’ve also read a bit about Demeter’s role and how her grief affects the earth, which adds another layer to it.

Would love to hear how others understand or connect with this story!

Role of Women in Greek Myths?

Greek mythology is full of powerful stories, but lately I’ve been thinking about the role of women within those stories and I’d love to hear everyone’s interpretations.

Women in Greek myth are everywhere: goddesses, queens, witches, victims, heroes, catalysts. Yet their roles can be wildly contradictory. We have figures like Athena, symbolizing wisdom and strategic power, alongside Aphrodite, who shapes fate through desire. Then there’s Hera, often portrayed as jealous, but also deeply tied to marriage and sovereignty. Mortal women, like Penelope, Helen, Medea, or Ariadne, each carry a different kind of strength, suffering, or agency.

Some myths elevate women as creators or protectors; others reduce them to cautionary tales. And in some stories, women seem to drive the entire narrative even when the focus is supposedly on male heroes. So what do you think? What is the role of women in Greek myths?

Apollo and Artemis Personality Contrasts

I’ve always been fascinated by Apollo and Artemis, especially the contrast between them as twins. On the surface they share so much, archery, associations with youth, strong connections to nature, but symbolically they seem almost like opposites in some ways. Apollo often represents order, reason, light, music, and prophecy, while Artemis feels more wild, instinctive, independent, and tied to the untamed natural world.

I’m curious how others interpret their relationship and balance. Do you see them as complementary forces, like civilization and wilderness, or more as two expressions of similar divine energy? And are there specific myths that you think best highlight their differences or similarities?

I’d love to hear perspectives, especially from people who study mythology more deeply or look at the symbolic meanings behind the gods.
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