Zelus

This article is about the Greek deity. For other uses, see Zelos. For the insect, see Zelus (genus).

Greek deities series
Primordial deities Titans and Olympians Aquatic deities Chthonic deities Mycenaean deities Other deities
Personified concepts
Achlys Alala Algos Amphilogiai Androktasiai Apate Atë Bia Charites Dysnomia Epiales Eris Eros Harmonia Homados Horae Horkos Hypnos Hysminai Kratos Kydoimos Lampetia Limos Makhai Metis Mnemosyne Moirai Oneiroi Palioxis Polemos Proioxis Neikea Nemesis Nike Pandia Phaethusa Phonoi Ponos Thanatos Themis Zelos

In Greek mythology, Zelus or Zelos /ˈziːləs/ (Greek: Ζῆλος, Zēlos, literally "zeal") was the daimon son of Pallas and Styx. Zelus and siblings Nike (Victory), Kratos (Strength) and Bia (Force) were winged enforcers who stood in attendance at Zeus' throne and formed part of his retinue.

Zelus personifies dedication, emulation, eager rivalry, envy, jealousy, and zeal. The English word "zeal" is derived from his name.

Zelos may have also been identified with Agon, the personification of romantic jealousy, and was closely connected with Eris. His Roman name was Invidia, which, in Latin, meant "to look against in a hostile manor". Because of its relation to Zelus, his Roman form was sometimes associated with the Seven deadly sins.

External links

• Theoi Project, a site exploring Greek mythology and the gods in classical literature and art