Cronus was a Titan in Greek mythology, the youngest son of Uranus (the sky) and Gaea (the earth). He was the father of the first generation of Olympians, including Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera.
Cronus was married to Rhea, but he feared that one of his children would overthrow him, as he had overthrown Uranus. As a result, he swallowed each of his children as they were born. Rhea became distraught over the loss of her children, so she tricked Cronus by giving him a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead of Zeus. Zeus was then raised in secret, and when he was grown up, he forced Cronus to disgorge his siblings.
After freeing his siblings, Zeus led a war against the Titans. The war lasted for ten years and ended with the defeat of the Titans and the establishment of the Olympians as the rulers of the world.
Cronus in Literature and Art
Cronus is often depicted in literature and art as a cruel and tyrannical figure. He is sometimes portrayed as a giant with a long beard and a voracious appetite. In other depictions, he is shown as a serpent coiled around the world.
Cronus is the subject of many myths and stories in Greek mythology. He is also the father of some of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology, including Hercules, Perseus, and Achilles.
Cronus in Astronomy
The planet Saturn is named after Cronus, as is the sixth day of the week, Saturday.