Although figures such as Cronos and Zeus seem as if they are central to mythology, they would have no role without Chaos, the creator of the world. Chaos created Earth, who in turn "first bare starry Heaven, equal to herself, to cover her on every side, and to be an ever-sure abiding place for the blessed gods" (Theogony 2.124-6). Therefore, Hesiod makes it clear that without the feminine, there would be no creation and no place to live, either for humans, who live on the female Earth, or for the gods, who live in Earth's creation, Heaven.

             However, Hesiod's treatment of the female is not simply reverent. In fact, Hesiod relates the story of the children of Heaven and Earth, who were horrible and who Heaven hid away inside of Earth. It is with this story that one first sees the depiction of the female as treacherous. Earth conspires with her children to punish Heaven. Of the children, only Cronos is brave enough to join with her and rise up against Heaven. After Heaven comes to Earth, "bringing on night and longing for love," Earth arranges to have Cronos hiding during their lovemaking, and Cronos attacks his father (Theogony 2.176-7). Interestingly enough, it is from this attack that one of the most central female figures in Greek mythology comes into being; Aphrodite sprang forth from the foam that formed where Heaven's blood hit the sea. Aphrodite is characterized as the leader of Eros and Desire and it is said that "the portion allotted to her amongst men and undying gods" is "the whispering of maidens and smiles and deceits with sweet delight and love and graciousness" (Theogony 2.204-6). Thus, Aphrodite's role is twofold; she governs love, but she also governs deceit. .

             Interestingly enough, in Theogony, the female is given responsibility for the creation of, not only deceit, but a myriad of negative emotions or elements. For example, Night gave birth to Doom and Fate.