Master Bolt

The Master Bolt is the symbol of Zeus' power, which all other lightning bolts are patterned after. It is the first and most powerful weapon that the Elder Cyclopes made for the Olympian gods.
== History ==
=== Forging the Master Bolt ===
Zeus' eldest brother, Hades, was very skilled in navigating under the earth, was able to lead all of his siblings into Tartarus, with the intention of freeing the Elder Cyclopes (Arges, Brontes, and Steropes) and Hekatonkheires (Cottus, Gyges, and Briares). All six of them were imprisoned in the maximum-security zone of Tartarus, surrounded by huge bronze walls, and a lava moat, guarded by fierce demons. Their guardian, Kampê, was the most ferocious and fearsome monster in all of Tartarus, and even Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades initially shuddered with horror when they saw the infernal monster for the first time. However, the gods overcame their fear, and were able to sneak in. Zeus managed to talk to the Cyclopes Brontes, and convinced him to forge powerful weapons for him and his siblings (which would be more powerful than Kronos' Scythe) behind Kampê's back. Together with his brothers Steropes and Arges, Brontes forged three incredibly powerful weapons, the first of which was the Master Bolt, which was given to Zeus. The power of the Bolt made Zeus' body tingle with energy, and he tested his new mighty weapon on a huge nearby bolder, which was instantly blasted to dust. Shortly thereafter, Kampê noticed the gods' presence, and proceeded to attack them. However, Zeus once more utilized the Master Bolt, and instantly incinerated the mighty monster by many simultaneous tremendous bolts of lightning.
The bolt itself is considered to be the most powerful of the three weapons forged by Arges, Brontes, and Steropes (making a mortal hydrogen bomb look like a firecracker in comparison), and all of Zeus' later thunderbolts were molded after it.
=== The First Titanomachy ===
Shortly thereafter, Zeus successfully wielded his new mighty weapon during the subsequent 10-year-long war with his father and the other Titans. The Titans initially had the upper hand in the battles, since they were very skilled, and much more experienced warriors. Zeus, however, quickly became a skilled, dangerous, and ferocious warrior as well, and, together with his siblings and uncles, ultimately prevailed against his Titanic foes. During the final battle, Zeus used his Master Bolt to shear off the top of Mount Othrys, and hurl Kronos from his Black Throne, defeating the evil Titan King.
=== Zeus' Symbol of Power ===
After the Titanomachy, the gods (who now called themselves the Olympians) chose Mount Olympus as their official residence, and Zeus as their King. Hence, while the Master Bolt remained Zeus' personal weapon in times of need, it also became his symbol of power, along with his pet eagle. He wielded it on multiple occasions, most notably while fighting Typhon, his greatest foe of all.
Category:Items