Expert: Irulan Serena - 9/26/2004

Question
In the Iliad, Poseidon says a number of times that Zeus was the first born among Cronus and Rheia's offspring.  Everywhere else says he was sixth in line after Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon (that's the order I've seen in both Hesiod and Apollodorus).  In what way is Zeus older than Poseidon, or is this simply another mythology invented by Homer?
Also, see book 4, greek line 60.  Here, Hera claims to be first born.
I would appreciate anything you can offer.
-Rachel

Answer
Hello Rachel,

Hesiod's Theogony was the first written account of the birth, characteristics and qualities of the Greek Gods. In this book Hesiod states that Hera was first and Zeus last born....so the chronology given by Hesiod is the original ....all other writers have put their own spin on this issue.

Iru