Final answer:
Zeus is characterized by Hesiod as the omnipotent king of gods, from whom all things are fashioned, and as a symbol of cultural amalgamation within the Greek pantheon. His dominance is emphasized in literature and art, painting him as a majestic figure of awe-inspiring authority and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hesiod characterizes Zeus as the king of gods and the ruler of the sky, holding significant authority and power within the Greek pantheon.
As described in Hesiod’s Theogony, Zeus is the central deity from whom all things are fashioned, indicating a concept akin to what we might call ‘intelligent design’ in modern parlance.
His omnipotence and supremacy are highlighted, for he alone is unchallenged by forces like sleep or time and becomes the source of partial divinity within mankind after he vanquishes the Titans.
Beyond his omnipotence, the portrayals of Zeus also emphasize the conflict inherent within the pantheon, and subsequently within the cultures that amalgamated to form ancient Greek society.
The physical conflicts between invading Aryans and indigenous peoples are mirrored in tales of Zeus taking several wives and managing rivalries, symbolizing the mergers of belief systems.
Moreover, Zeus’ aura of authority is also reflected in artistic depictions such as the surviving Greek bronze statues and the description of him as Jupiter, which inspire awe due to their scale and the god’s depiction.