Rhea (mythology)

Rhea, the Mother of the Gods

In Greek mythology, Rhea was a kind and wise goddess. She was one of the Titans, born from Uranus, the Sky, and Gaia, the Earth. Rhea was the sister and wife of Cronus. Together, they had six very important children: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus.

When Cronus learned that one of his children might take his place, he swallowed each baby when they were born. But with their last child, Zeus, Rhea was clever. She hid baby Zeus in a safe place in Crete and gave Cronus a stone to swallow instead.

Rhea was loved by many as the “mother of gods.” People honored her, especially on the island of Crete, where they believed she cared for baby Zeus. They celebrated her with songs, dances, and special drums. Rhea was known for helping women when they had babies, and she was a gentle and caring goddess.

Today, some things are named after Rhea, like a bird called the Rhea and a moon of the planet Saturn.