In Greek mythology, Ida refers to a mountain range on the island of Crete, known for its association with the birth of the god Zeus. According to myth, Rhea hid Zeus in a cave on Mount Ida to protect him from his father, Cronus, who swallowed his children to prevent them from overthrowing him. The mountain is also linked to the Idaean Dactyls, mythical beings believed to be the guardians of Zeus. They were often depicted as skilled in metalwork and magic, contributing to the rich tapestry of stories surrounding the origins of the Olympian gods.