In Greek mythology, a Titan, daughter of Uranus and Gaia. Known as mother of the gods, she was the wife and sister of Kronos, by whom she bore Hestia, Zeus, Poseidon, Pluto, Hera, and Demeter.
Rhea plotted Kronos' downfall and prevented him from eating Zeus, as he ate all of his other children. She hid Zeus in the Dictean Cave in Crete and eventually the big Z came back around and took care of business - forcing Kronos to release Zeus' siblings.
Worshiping Rhea was an orgy of fertility rites and particularly prominent in Crete. The Greeks often identified her with Gaea and Cybele (also Rhea Cybele). In Rome, Rhea was worshiped as Magna Mater (great mother) and identified with Ops.
Rhea is often depicted standing between two lions or driving a chariot pulled by lions.
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Greek and Roman Mythology