Uranus

views updated Jun 27 2018

Uranus

Uranus, who represented the sky, was one of the original deities of Greek mythology. He was the son of Gaia, the earth, who also became his wife. Together they had many children, including the Titans and the Cyclopes*.

deity god or goddess

Titan one of a family of giants who ruled the earth until overthrown by the Greek gods of Olympus

Uranus, however, detested his children. As soon as they were born, he forced them into Tartarus, a dark place deep beneath the surface of the earth. Gaia asked her children to stop Uranus, but only her son Cronus came to her aid. Cronus cut off his father's sex organs and threw them into the sea. According to myth, Aphrodite* was born from the foam where they landed.

Uranus became the sky that surrounds the earth, and Cronus replaced his father as king of the universe. But Cronus was later defeated by his son Zeus* who, together with Hera* and other Olympian gods, overthrew the Titans and took their place ruling the universe.

See also Cronus; Titans.

Uranus

views updated May 29 2018

U·ran·us / ˈyoŏrənəs; yoŏˈrā-/ 1. Greek Mythol. a personification of heaven or the sky, the most ancient of the Greek gods and first ruler of the universe. He was overthrown and castrated by his son Cronus. 2. Astron. a distant planet of the solar system, seventh in order from the sun, discovered by William Herschel in 1781.

Uranus

views updated May 14 2018

Uranus In Greek mythology, the original god of the sky, and the husband and son of Gaia, with whom he was father to the Titans and the Cyclopes.

Uranus

views updated May 21 2018

Uranus in Greek mythology, a personification of heaven or the sky, the most ancient of the Greek gods and first ruler of the universe. He was overthrown and castrated by his son Cronus.

Uranus

views updated May 23 2018

Uranus planet situated between Saturn and Neptune. XIX. — L. Ūranus — Gr. Ouranós husband of Gaea (Earth) and father of Cronos (Saturn).