Zeus and Leda
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Although he was married to Hera, Zeus frequently became enamored of various other women - mortal as well as immortal - and tried to have his way with them in any manner possible. A frequent tactic was to appear to them in some other guise like a golden shower, a bull, or in this case a swan.
This image is based upon a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci of the story of Zeus appearing to Leda as a swan and seducing her. The original was lost long ago but this reproduction was done by one of Da Vinci's students and is believed to be the most accurate copy available. Here we see Zeus with Leda and, on the ground beside them, four children.
On the same night Leda was with Zeus, she was also with Tyndareus, king of Sparta. As a consequence Leda had four children: two from Zeus (Castor and Polydeuces, or Pollux) and two from Tyndareus (Clytaemnestra and Helen). According to legend Leda died from shame after learning of Helen's misdeeds and the damage she caused.
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