Cycladia Travel Guides

History | Mythology

Lasithi Mythology

According to Greek mythology, the Titan Rhea, wife of the Titan Cronus, gave birth to Zeus in Dikteon Cave in Lasithi, to protect him from his father. Cronus used to eat his children to preserve his authority, believing in a legend that said one of them would dethrone him. Rhea tricked Cronus by delivering a rock wrapped in swaddling clothes, which he swallowed.

After Zeus was born, Rhea took him to Ideon Andron, where he was raised with the care of nymph Melissa and the mythical goat Amalthea. Seven giants, called Kourites, were guarding the Cave and every time that little Zeus was crying, they were clanging their swords on their shields producing a great noise so that Cronus would not hear the child’s cry.

When Zeus became strong enough, he released his brothers and sisters from his father’s stomach and eventually claimed the throne.

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