In Greek mythology,
twelve gods and goddesses ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount Olympus.
These Olympians had come to power after their leader, Zeus, overthrew his
father, Kronos, leader of the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one
another. The Romans adopted most of these Greek gods and goddesses, but with
new names.
Zeus (Roman name: Jupiter)
The most powerful of
all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of Olympus. His temper
affected the weather, and he threw thunderbolts when he was unhappy. He was
married to Hera but had many other lovers. His symbols include the oak and the
thunderbolt.
Hera(Roman name: Juno)
Hera was goddess
of marriage and the queen of Olympus. She was Zeus's wife and sister; many
myths tell of how she sought revenge when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers.
Her symbols include the peacock and the cow.
Poseidon (Roman name: Neptune)
Poseidon was god
of the sea. He was the most powerful god except for his brother, Zeus. He lived
in a beautiful palace under the sea and caused earthquakes when he was in a
temper. His symbols include the horse and the trident (a three-pronged
pitchfork).
Hades (Roman name:
Pluto)
Hades was king of
the dead. He lived in the underworld, the heavily guarded land where he ruled
over the dead. He was the brother of Zeus and the husband
of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, whom he kidnapped.
Aphrodite (Roman
name: Venus)
Aphrodite was the
goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of sailors. She may have been the
daughter of Zeus and the Titan Dione, or she may have risen from the sea on a
shell. Her symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove.
Apollo
Apollo was the god
of music and healing. He was also an archer, and hunted with a silver bow.
Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and the twin of Artemis.
His symbols include the laurel tree, the crow, and the dolphin.
Ares (Roman name:
Mars)
Ares was the god of
war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, but
neither of his parents liked him. His symbols include the vulture and the dog,
and he often carried a bloody spear.
Artemis (Roman
name: Diana)
Artemis was the
goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in childbirth. She hunted with
silver arrows and loved all wild animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and
Leto, and the twin of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the
deer.
Athena (Roman
name: Minerva)
Athena was the
goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art of war, and helped heroes
such as Odysseus and Hercules. Athena sprang full-grown from the forehead of
Zeus, and became his favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive
tree.
Hephaestus (Roman
name: Vulcan)
Hephaestus was the
god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which metal is heated). Although he
made armor and weapons for the gods, he loved peace. He was the son of Zeus and
Hera and married Aphrodite. His symbols include the anvil and the forge.
Hestia (Roman
name: Vesta)
Hestia was the
goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of the home). She was the most
gentle of the gods, and does not play a role in many myths. Hestia was the
sister of Zeus and the oldest of the Olympians. Fire is among her symbols.
Hermes (Roman
name: Mercury)
Hermes was the
messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to thieves. He was said to have
invented boxing and gymnastics. He was the son of Zeus and the constellation
Maia. The speediest of all, he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried
a magic wand.
Demeter (Roman
name: Ceres)
Demeter was the
goddess of the harvest. The word “cereal” comes from her Roman name. She was
the sister of Zeus. Her daughter, Persephone, was forced to live with Hades
each winter; at this time Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat.
Dionysus (Roman
name: Bacchus)
Dionysus was the
god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece Dionysus was honored with
springtime festivals that centered on theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and
Semele, a mortal. His symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.
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