Zeus

King of the gods, dispenser of fate, ruler of the sky, and giver of rain and lightning. As Zeus Xenios protects strangers, foreigners, and guests. As Zeus Ktesios he protects the pantry. He is truly a many-dimensional god, who can protect and bless us in many aspects. He is one of many gods who oversees justice. Two of his famous shrines include Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games, and Dodona, where oak trees would whisper his response to questions.

Epithets

• Ombrios/Hyetios: Of the Rain
• Aphesios: Releasing Rain
• Skotitas: Dark, Murky
• Keraunios: Of the Thunderbolt
• Astrapaios: Of the Lightning
• Kataibatês: Descending (Thunderbolt)
• Labrandeus: Furious
• Ikmaios: Of Moisture
• Konios: Of the Dust
• Maimaktês: Boisterous
• Euênemos: Of Fair Winds
• Limenoskopos: Watcher of Sea-Havens
• Basileus: King
• Hypatos/Hypsistos: Most High
• Ktêsios: Of the House/Property
• Herkeios: Of the Courtyard
• Teleios: Of Marriage Rites
• Moiragetês: Leader of the Fates
• Klarios: Of Divinatory Lots
• Sêmaleos: Giver of Signs
• Mêkhaneus: Contriver
• Kosmêtês: Orderer
• Theos Agathos: The Good God
• Epidôtês: Giver of Good
• Plousios: Of Wealth
• Philios: Of Friendship
• Xenios: Of Hospitality/Strangers
• Hikesios: Of Suppliants
• Phyxios: Of Refuge
• Palamnaios: Punisher of Murderers
• Katharsios: Of Ritual Purification
• Prostropaios: Averter of Spiritual Pollution
• Apêmios: Averter of Ills
• Sôtêr: Savior
• Meilikhios: Merciful
• Laoitês: Of the People
• Eleutherios: Of Freedom
• Stratios/Areios: Of War
• Tropaios: Defeater
• Phyxios: Banisher of Enemies

Offerings

• Oak
• Carnations
• Olive branches
• Styrax incense
• Sheep or pig meat
• Beef

Prayers and Hymns

“Zeus, thou first of all,

hat lead’st the way for all,

O Zeus, I send to thee

This first fruit of my songs.”

-Terpander

“O King of Kings, among the blest ⁠

Thou highest and thou happiest,

Listen and grant my prayer (request here).”

-Aeschylus, Suppliants

“I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all-seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Son of Cronos, most excellent and great!”

-Homeric Hymns