Sol’s Greek counterpart crossword

The sun has long fascinated and commanded respect in every culture - the ancient Greeks were no different. Among their many gods, Helios - deity of the sun - held a central place. He stood for the star's warmth, light plus power to give life. Artists usually showed Helios as a glowing, handsome driver of a chariot. Each day he led four fiery horses from east to west bringing dawn and ending at dusk. Shrines but also temples to him appeared in most Greek city states. To the Greeks he was more than a sky object - he controlled nature's cycles and the fate of human beings. In addition to driving the sun, Helios was thought to see as well as hear every event on Earth. This total awareness gave him authority and wisdom - the people honored him. Farmers or those who held seasonal festivals all looked to him for help. The crossword clue “Sol's Greek counterpart” points straight to Helios, because the Roman god Sol matches him in most traits. This link shows how freely myths and ideas passed between the old Mediterranean peoples. Knowing who Helios was lets the solver grasp the clue also also see one more thread in the wide fabric of ancient belief.