ZELUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Zelus is a minor god in Greek mythology, who is best described as the personification of rivalry, jealousy and zeal. Zelus was a winged avenger of Zeus, but in truth, in surviving sources there is little said about the Greek god. 

Zelus Son of Styx

Zelus is named as a son of the Titan Pallas and the Oceanid Styx, making him brother to Kratos (Strength), Bia (Force) and Nike (Victory).
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Zelus’ role was as the personification of characteristics, including, rivalry, jealousy, envy and zeal. These characteristics are perhaps better suited to a child of the goddess Nyx,  for they are relatively dark, but instead Zelus was found not in the Underworld, but in Zeus’ palace upon Mount Olympus. 

Zelus, along with his siblings, stood by the side of Zeus’ throne, enforcing the supreme god’s will. 

Zelus Upon Mount Olympus

The arrival of Zelus and his siblings upon Mount Olympus came about during the Titanomachy, the ten-year war between Zeus, his allies, and the Titans. 

Calling for allies, Zeus promised honour and positions of power for those who joined him in his fight, and it was said that Styx was the first to answer his call. Styx would leave her husband, the Titan Pallas, and bring her children with her to Mount Olympus.

Styx was honoured by having her name used to invoke an unbreakable oath, whilst Zelus, Kratos, Bia and Nike were given their positions next to the throne of Zeus. 

The Role of Zelus

​Zelus was the god blamed when family member turned against family member, and comrade against comrade though details of specific myths do not survive. It is presumed that Zelus and his siblings were active in the Titanomachy, but again, no detailed versions of events from the war survive into the modern day. 

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Colin Quartermain - Zelus - 17th November 2019