Which item did Rhea substitute for Zeus to protect him?

Prepare for the Honors English Semester Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study with interactive questions that provide hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which item did Rhea substitute for Zeus to protect him?

Explanation:
In this myth, the trick that protects Zeus is a substitution: Rhea hides Zeus and gives Cronus a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead. Cronus feared a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, so he devoured each newborn. Rhea’s ruse buys Zeus time to grow and eventually confront Cronus, freeing his siblings and becoming king of the gods. The stone fits the story because it’s the exact object Cronus swallows in place of the child, and none of the other items—like a cloak, bread, or a jewel—play that role in this tale.

In this myth, the trick that protects Zeus is a substitution: Rhea hides Zeus and gives Cronus a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead. Cronus feared a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, so he devoured each newborn. Rhea’s ruse buys Zeus time to grow and eventually confront Cronus, freeing his siblings and becoming king of the gods. The stone fits the story because it’s the exact object Cronus swallows in place of the child, and none of the other items—like a cloak, bread, or a jewel—play that role in this tale.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy