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Cronus, is a Titan renowned for his immense power, rose to prominence by overthrowing his father, Uranos. However, his reign was marred by fear and paranoia, as he dreaded the prophecy of being usurped by his own offspring. In a desperate bid to maintain his rule, Cronus resorted to a heinous act, devouring his children upon their birth. Yet, his wife, Rhea, cunningly saved Zeus, hiding him and presenting Cronus with a stone wrapped in blankets instead. Zeus, the hidden child, grew to challenge his father's tyranny, rallying a rebellion against Cronus and the Titans. This uprising culminated in the Titans' defeat and their subsequent imprisonment in Tartarus, the deepest abyss of the underworld, where they languished for eternity. He was still worshipped as a god across Ancient Greece the Mediterranean and later under the name Saturn, across the Roman Empire. The festive celebration of Saturnalia, dedicated to the god, became a prominent event in Roman society, leaving a lasting influence that would shape elements of the modern Christmas holiday.

During the series of battles that ensued, Cronus remained imprisoned until a weakened seal on Tartarus allowed him to escape. Seizing the opportunity, Cronus led a small army of giants in an audacious attempt to reclaim Olympus, the home of the gods. However, he was swiftly defeated by his grandson Hercules and other offspring of Zeus, and Cronus himself was driven back into Tartarus, where the breach was sealed once more.[4] Cronus was called to testify during a trial orchestrated by his son Hades, the ruler of the underworld, against Zeus. Cronus accused Zeus of ascending to power through deceit, poison, and patricide, arguing that Zeus deserved the same fate as Cronus himself. This testimony sheds light on Cronus's enduring bitterness and resentment towards Zeus and his rule.[5]

History

Origin[]

Eons ago, the primordial Sky Father Ouranus mated with the primordial Earth mother Gaea producing a number of powerful offspring: the Titans, the Cyclopes and centimanes. Ouranus feared his children would usurp his power so he imprisoned the centimanes and cyclopes in Tartarus, the dark abyss of the underworld.[6] The First Era of man, the Golden Age, began when the sky, Uranus, cast fertile rains down on his mother Faea, and from her sprang a golden race of humanity. They knew no evil, ate only acorns and other wild fruit[7] Gaea, disgusted with the treatment of her children urged the Titans to overthrow Ouranus. The youngest Cronus agreed and led his brothers into ambushing Ouranus in his sleep. He then castrated him with a sickle given to him by Gaea. A dying Ouranus prophesized that one of Cronus' own children will one day overthrow him just as he had overthrown Ouranus. Cronus then took his sister Rhea as his wife and became the new ruler of the Olympian dimension.[6]

Cronus (Earth-616) from Incredible Hercules Vol 1 130 001

Titanomachy[]

Cronus ruled over the Golden Age and the Humans of this time period need no law due to being naturally virtuous and obeyed Cronus unquestionably.[7] However, Cronus feared Ouranus' prophecy so he kept the cyclopes and centimanes imprisoned in Tartarus. Any child Rhea bore him he either imprisoned in Tartarus or by his own account ate and imprisoned in his stomach to prevent them from being a threat. Rhea hid the youngest Zeus by tricking Cronus into swallowing a stone. When Zeus grew to adulthood he poisoned Cronus to vomit up his siblings and led them in a 10-year war with the Titans known as the Titanomachy. Zeus one the war by freeing the cyclopes and centimanes from Tartarus. With the strength of the centimanes and new weapons/powers granted by the cyclopes Zeus defeated the Titans. He imprisioned all of them including Cronus in Tartarus. He left only the female Titans, Titans who did not fight against him, and a few giants free. Zeus then took his place as the new Olympian skyfather.[5] Alas, the Golden Age Humans were slain along with Cronus and the other Titans this was the First Extinction.[7]

Cronus (Earth-616) from Assault on New Olympus Vol 1 1 001

Tartarus[]

During his voyage homeward from the Trojan War to Ithaca, Odysseus embarked on a harrowing journey through Hades. Amidst the shadows of the underworld, he bore witness to the torment of countless souls, among them the fallen Titan Cronus.[8]

Roman Empire[]

Saturn, revered as a deity across the Roman Empire, held a significant place in Roman mythology. The festive celebration of Saturnalia, dedicated to this god, emerged as a prominent event in Roman society. Its exuberant customs and revelries left an enduring mark, shaping elements of the modern Christmas holiday.[9]

Modern Era[]

Eons later, during a series of battles when the mindless Hulk was sent to Olympus weakened one of the seals on Tartarus allowing Cronus to escape and lead a small army of giants in an attempt to take back Olympus. Cronus and his giants were quickly defeated by Hercules and Zeus' other offspring. Cronus himself was driven back into Tartarus and the breach sealed.[4]

Later, when Hades put Zeus on trial for being an unworthy godhead Cronus was called to testify. He explained how Zeus rose to power through fraud, poison, and patricide and that Zeus deserved Cronus' punishment as much as Cronus himself.[5]

Christmas Vengeance[]

For a while now, Saturn had been watching humans ruin his holiday, turning it into a mere festivity for kids. He despised how it had been hijacked by Santa Claus and his crew of elves. Fed up with it all, Saturn decided to take matters into his own hands. On Christmas Eve, he ventured down to Earth to exact revenge for the tarnishing of Saturnalia. His vengeance began with a gruesome act - decapitating a man dressed as Santa who was collecting charity funds. This was just the start. Saturn went on a violent spree, beheading drunken revelers dressed as Santa and Elves, using their heads as macabre decorations for a tree. As he roamed the streets, his anger swelled at the sight of how his holiday had been twisted into one of excess and commercialism. Using Christmas trees as weapons, Saturn wreaked havoc in New York City, causing chaos by impaling unsuspecting victims and destroying property. Spider-Man and Deadpool stumbled upon the chaos, witnessing Saturn's fury first-hand. When Saturn kicked Baby Jesus, Deadpool caught him, further infuriating the ancient deity who then turned his wrath towards the heroes. As the battle raged on, Spider-Man tried to reason with Saturn, emphasizing the true spirit of Christmas - love and togetherness. However, it was Deadpool who remembered the revelry of Saturnalia, convincing Saturn that Christmas could be just as joyous with its parties, gifts, and feasting. Agreeing to a deal, Saturn joined forces with Deadpool and Spider-Man to experience the modern festivities. They danced with the Rockettes, engaged in a carriage race, and even indulged in some gambling at an underground casino. In a high-stakes game, Saturn wagered his own pinky finger and lost, experiencing a rush of exhilaration as Deadpool carried out the agreed punishment. In the end, Saturn, moved by the warmth and camaraderie of Christmas, reversed the damage he had caused and bid farewell to his newfound companions, leaving in his dragon chariot. Despite losing a finger, he expressed gratitude for the unforgettable night and looked forward to future adventures with Deadpool and Spider-Man.[9]

Attributes

Power Grid[11]
:Category:Power Grid/Fighting Skills/Experienced Fighter:Category:Power Grid/Energy Projection/Multiple Types:Category:Power Grid/Durability/Superhuman:Category:Power Grid/Speed/Normal:Category:Power Grid/Strength/Incalculable:Category:Power Grid/Intelligence/Gifted

Powers

  • Superhuman Strength: Cronus possesses vast levels of superhuman strength and can lift 100 tons without using his other abilities to amp his strength.[10]
  • Superhuman Stamina: Cronus' highly advanced musculature produces almost no fatigue toxins, granting him almost limitless physical stamina in all activities.
  • Superhuman Durability: Cronus is highly resistant to physical injury. He is capable of withstanding high caliber bullets, falls from great heights, powerful energy blasts, and extreme temperatures and pressures without sustaining injury. He is also capable of surviving, unprotected, in the vacuum of space for a brief period of time. His resistance to injury surpasses that of many other Olympian gods.[10]
  • Immortality
  • Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite his great resilience, it is possible to injure Cronus. However, like all members of his race, he is capable of recovering from injuries with superhuman speed and efficiency. However, he is unable to regenerate missing limbs or organs and would require magical assistance to do so. Cronus is also immune to all known Earthly diseases and infections. He is highly resistant to most drugs and toxins but can be affected if exposed to great quantities.
  • Energy Manipulation: Cronus possesses undefined energy powers.[10]

See Also

Links and References

References

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