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In the mythology of Ancient Greece, Zeus was the Father of the Gods and the most prominent member of the Greek pantheon. He appeared in two of Ray Harryhausen's most popular films, Jason and the Argonauts (1963, played by Niall MacGinnis) and Clash of the Titans (1981, with screen luminary Laurence Olivier taking on the role).

Jason and the Argonauts[]

In the 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts, Zeus plays a role which affects the protagonists and how they proceed in their quest to obtain the legendary Golden Fleece, although he is confined to minor screen appearances, with his actions largely exposited by other characters.

Zeus first appears when Jason is taken to Mount Olympus by Hermes, where he limits the amount of help the goddess Hera can give to the young hero, but offers his own assistance as well; Jason, however, refuses his offer.

Later, when seeking the aid of the blind prophet Phineus, the Argonauts are informed that the man was cursed by Zeus to be tormented by Harpies for misusing his gift of prophecy. This necessitates the intervention of Jason and his crew in order to secure Phineus's aid.

It is also mentioned that Zeus has plans for both Hercules and Jason, the first is related by Hera, while the second is revealed by Zeus himself: what these plans may be is not revealed during the course of the film.

Clash of the Titans[]

In Clash of the Titans, Zeus plays a more prominent role, and is in fact the catalyst for all of the events depicted in the film.

In the opening act, Zeus is revealed to have impregnated the king of Argos's daughter, Danaë, who had been imprisoned by her father following a prophecy that she would be responsible for his downfall. As a result, the king sets Danaë and her newborn son Perseus adrift on the seas, but is in return killed by Zeus for this impertinence.

Later, in retribution for a number of transgressions - including the slaughter of his prized herd of winged horses - Zeus transforms the son of Thetis, Calibos, into an inhuman monstrosity; Calibos would go on to become Perseus's most deadly mortal enemy.

During the course of the film, Zeus directly assists Perseus in a number of ways, sending him aid in the form of magical artefacts, commanding the goddess Athena to send him her owl to guide his way, and restoring his strength to allow him to face the mighty Kraken.

In Greek Mythology[]

Zeus's story is long and convoluted. Originally the son of the Titan Kronos, he was instrumental in bringing about the downfall of the Titans and assuring the ascendancy of the Olympians. When his predecessors were defeated and imprisoned, Zeus would go on to lead the Greek Gods and oversee the world of men, although his rule would not always be benevolent.

Gallery[]

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