The Oxford History Of The Classical World

Zeus Blitzes A Giant Or Titan. From the corner of the pediment of the Temple of Artemis on Corcyra
(Corfu), early sixth century B.C. Apotropaic monsters such as the Gorgon (which figures at the centre of
this pediment) or violent scenes of Olympian power such as this, are favourite themes for the decoration
of early temples. Later the scenes are more closely related to local cult or history. The giant is here
wholly human, Zeus naked as is common with gods and heroes, displaying their power and reflecting
Greek acceptance of and pride in nudity.