Page:Greek and Roman Mythology.djvu/34

20 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY 27. From his being the mightiest god the idea devel- oped that Zeus was also the highest god (Hypatos, Hypsistos). From his mountain summit, like a king from his castle, he rules the surrounding country under the appellation of Zeus Basileus. As a symbol of his ^dominion he bears the scepter; he protects justice and all pious men, and punishes every wrong, especially per- j ury (Zeus Horkios), and any injury to a guest (Z. Xenios) or to one seeking protection (Z. Hikesios). It lies in his power to grant expiation of guilt, and purification (Z. Katliarsios) (cf. Apollo). To him, therefore, as the protector of hearth and home (Z. Herkeios), the father of the family offered sacrifices ; and to the same god, in his capacity of protector of the family (GenetJilios), the head of the family sacrificed ; and many ruling fami- lies claimed to derive their origin from him as their ancestor. 28. Side by side with the king of the gods stands their queen Hera, who, like Juno, the goddess associated with Juppiter (the ruling lightning god of Italy), is probably to be regarded as the moon goddess and queen of the night. In Argos, where Hera was held in special honor, Hebe (< the bloom of youth ? ) was considered the fruit of the union of this royal pair. Ares, also, the war god, and Hephaestus, the lightning god, are their children. As the masculine counterpart of Hebe appears Ganymedes (son of Tros or Laomedon), whom, on account of his beauty, Zeus caused to be kidnaped by an eagle, and to be made his cupbearer and favor- ite ; for, like Ganymedes, Hebe too offers to the gods ambrosia and nectar; indeed she sometimes even bears the name Ganymeda.