Zeus: King of the Gods: Olympians
#1 of 12 in Olympians Series
on Goodreads (5,767)
What’s inside...
Here's Where It All Starts provides an exhilarating exploration into the Genesis of mythology, opening with the grand narrative of the beginning of the world, the gods, and humanity. It vividly recounts the reign of Kronos, the formidable Titan, and the epic battle with his son Zeus, which threatens to destroy the universe. Additionally, the book delves into the connection between Greek mythology and modern superhero comics, illustrating how characters like Superman, Batman, and the X-Men are deeply rooted in the ancient tales of the Greek pantheon.
Character compass
Zeus
Rhea
Gaea
Kronos
Discussion points
What qualities make Zeus a leader among the gods? How do those qualities compare to what makes a good leader today?
Zeus often faced challenges and decisions as the king of gods. Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision? What did you do?
How do the relationships between Zeus and other gods show the importance of family and friendships?
Why do you think myths like these were important to people in ancient times? What can they teach us now?
If you had the powers of Zeus for a day, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book and its themes to show your interest. Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, and relate their answers to real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding. Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to keep the conversation flowing. Validate their thoughts and feelings to build their confidence in expressing themselves. Lastly, connect the story's lessons to everyday values, which reinforces learning and moral development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Through Zeus's story, children learn about the qualities of a good leader and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. Zeus's journey to becoming the King of the Gods showcases his decision-making skills and his ability to shoulder the responsibilities that come with leadership.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking initiative in group activities or family tasks, learning to make decisions that consider the well-being of others, and understanding the effects of their actions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Zeus's story is filled with challenges and obstacles that he must overcome, teaching children the value of perseverance and resilience. Despite various setbacks, Zeus remains determined and eventually succeeds, highlighting the importance of staying resilient during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined through personal challenges, be it in academics, sports, or relationships. Understanding that difficulties can be overcome with persistence can be comforting and empowering.
Example Lesson: The Power of Knowledge
Explanation: Zeus's success is partly due to his quest for knowledge and understanding of both his own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of his friends and foes. This teaches children the importance of knowledge and learning in overcoming difficulties and achieving one’s goals.
Real-World Application: Encouraging kids to be curious and seek knowledge in their everyday interactions and schooling can help them make informed decisions and solve problems more effectively.
Example Lesson: Justice and Fairness
Explanation: Zeus is often seen dealing with issues of justice and fairness, taking on the role of a judge among gods and humans alike. This depicts the significance of being fair and just, regardless of one's position of power.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice fairness in play and interactions with peers, understanding that everyone deserves to be treated with justice and equality, fostering a sense of moral integrity.