Metis was one of the second generation of Titans in Greek mythology, colossal giants whose power rivalled that of the Olympian gods.
Description[]
Born to the first generation Titans Oceanus and Tethys, Metis was most commonly associated with the traits of good counsel, wisdom and cunning, but also had a reputation for her magical abilities.
History[]
The very first of Zeus's consorts (although her existence predates his), Metis conceived a child by the King of the Gods. Recalling a prophecy which stated that Metis would bear a child with the strength to cast him down, Zeus then tricked Metis into changing herself into a fly, which he subsequently swallowed.
Unfortunately for Zeus, Metis had already conceived, and she proceeded to construct a helm and robe for her growing child whilst imprisoned within his body. The constant hammering from the helm's creation caused the King of the Gods incredible pain which was only relived when Hephaestus struck him a mighty blow on the head. This action caused the fully-grown Athena to burst forth from Zeus, armed and garbed in her signature style, but caused no harm to Zeus himself. What became of Metis afterwards is unknown.
Due to the nature of Metis's story, it can be reasonably assumed that she took no part in the Titanomachy, the great war for the heavens waged between Zeus and the Titans (after which most of the defeated Titans were imprisoned in the Abyss of Tartarus) although some sources state that it was in fact Metis who gave Cronus the potion which caused him to vomit up the swallowed Olympians, and began the conflict.