s there fancied a
resemblance between the whiteness of this metal and dazzling brightness
of the flash of lightning? However that question may be answered, there
remains the fact that the thunderbolt was a symbol of the power of Zeus,
and its figure uniformly accompanied the effigy of the god. Ovid speaks
of Zeus as of one whose hand is armed with three-forked fires,--

_"Cui deutra trisulces
Ignibus armata est."_

It is worth while to give this emblem some little study. It is
represented under three varieties of one general form. We first find it
a bundle of flames wreathed closely together in the form of a double
cone. It is then a token of peace. Zeus is always seated when bearing
this, and it is held downward. Under its second form the thunderbolt
consists of a similar double cone, only it is elongated and pointed.
This cone is crossed obliquely by two zigzag flashes of lightning,
terminating at either end in arrow-points. Later forms of this symbol
have the forward end the same, but the other end is wrought into an
ornamental and somewhat arborescent head. This form with the lightning
flashes is always borne uplifted, and by the god standing in readiness
to hurl the bolt. This is the form we are to look for in connection with
the worship of Zeus. The third form is of rare occurrence in literature
and art.

Another emblem of the Olympian god, more familiar even than the
thunderbolt, is the eagle. AEschylus calls this bird "the winged hound of
Zeus." This conception of the poet ruled in art as well as in
literature. It was the popular idea of divine vengeance following and
punishing guilt that sought concealment. Open impiety drew down upon the
offender's head the flashing thunderbolt. A comparative examination of a
few coins will help towards interpreting this symbolism. For this
purpose the coins of Elis will serve best. Here was Olympia, with its
famous temple of Zeus, and here were celebrated the great national
Olympian games in honor of the god. Certainly if any part of Greece was
more sacred to Zeus than the rest, that part was Elis. Its coins are
covered with his symbols. Three types of about 371 B.C. form a group of
especial interest. The first of these has, obverse, an eagle tearing a
ram, on a shield; reverse, a thunderbolt. Second, obverse, an eagle
tearing a serpent; reverse, a thunderbolt. Third, obverse, an eagle
tearing a hare; reverse, a winged thunderbolt. Here the identity is
sufficien