Final answer:
Zeus is commonly known as the King of the Gods or the ruler of Mount Olympus. He is the central figure of the Greek pantheon, known for his omnipotence and associations with lightning and thunder. Zeus's roles and attributes are highlighted in various ancient texts, hymns, and art pieces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The god Zeus is most commonly known as the King of the Gods or simply the ruler of Mount Olympus, rather than having a specific nickname. In Greek mythology, Zeus is widely recognized for his supreme power and is often associated with lightning and thunder. The epithets and descriptions of Zeus in various ancient texts and hymns emphasize his omnipotence and central role in the pantheon and the universe. For instance, in the Orphic Theogony, Zeus is exalted with the phrases 'Zeus is the head, Zeus is the middle, and from Zeus everything is fashioned,' highlighting his creative and dominant essence. Moreover, artworks like the famous Artemision Bronze, which depicts a bearded deity, highlight the majesty and maturity associated with Zeus, although whether the statue is of Zeus or Poseidon remains debated, as he might be holding a lightning bolt or a trident.
The rich corpus of Greek literature and art illustrates Zeus's manifold roles and attributes. He had numerous liaisons with goddesses and mortals alike, fathering many offspring, including gods such as Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes, as well as heroes like Herakles. The Greek pantheon, with Zeus at its center, used deities like him to interpret natural phenomena and the human condition, evidenced by stories describing him as the fabricator of the universe and mankind's partly divine origin.