She was known as the goddess of reason and handicraft. A severe, aloof goddess, Athena was the fierce protector of the city state of Athens. As you move through Olympus, look for this icon, identifying artworks depicting your god or goddess. Artemis was the goddess of hunting, the wilderness, and young animals. She was an independent free spirit who protected the fruit of the earth as well as women in childbirth.
Born out of the foam in the sea, Aphrodite was the goddess of beauty, procreation, and gardens. She excited passion in the hearts of gods and men alike. Zeus controlled the thunder, lightning, rain, and wind.
Considered the father of gods and men, he was married to his sister Hera, but had many affairs and many children with other goddesses, nymphs, and maidens. The gods lived on the top of Mount Olympus- the highest in Greece. Mount Olympus 2, metres is situated in northern Greece and has forested slopes and tumbling waterfalls. Greek mythology is a collection of stories, myths and legends about the origins of the world and they are important as they give a valuable insight into every day life in ancient Greece.
There were actually more than 12 gods, but the others did not live on Mount Olympus. Zeus was the son of Kronos and Rhea and with his siblings, he defeated the Titans who were led by his father, Cronus. The Titans and Olympian gods fought for a long time, but the Olympian gods were victorious and Zeus put his father and the other Titans in Tartarus — the deepest part of the Underworld- where they were tortured forever.
Zeus was the god of the sky and earth and the King of Olympus. He married Hera but had many lovers and became the father of the gods and humans.
Zeus was a powerful warrior who used lightning and thunderbolts as his weapons. When he was upset, his temper affected the weather badly. There were many sanctuaries dedicated to Zeus and the ancient Greeks regularly gave offerings to Zeus in the hope that they could keep him happy. Hera, the goddess of marriage and childbirth, is usually depicted with a crown and sceptre. She was married to Zeus in an opulent ceremony and became Queen of Olympus.
She sought revenge whenever she was betrayed by Zeus and his lovers. She played an active role in the Trojan War in which she strongly supported the Greeks. Her symbols were the peacock and cow. Like his brother Zeus, Poseidon was one of the most powerful gods. He did not live on Mount Olympus but in a beautiful palace at the bottom of the sea. He is usually depicted holding a trident. Like his brother Zeus, Poseidon had a bad temper which caused storms and earthquakes.
Seafarers still believe in his mythological powers and ask his permission to sail the oceans before they leave the harbor. A beautiful temple dedicated to Poseidon can be seen at Cape Sounio, where it stands overlooking the sea.
Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She was a lover of Zeus and together they had a daughter — Persephone. Demeter was very protective of her daughter and was angered by the advances made to Persephone by Hades. He persuaded Persephone to eat pomegranate seeds that would ensure she stayed with him as his wife.
Demeter was furious and killed all the crops in the world. Zeus bargained with Hades and Persephone was allowed to live with her mother for eight months each year. Whenever Persephone returned to live with her husband in the Underworld, the earth would turn cold and no crops would grow.
Her symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove. See also: Aphrodite. 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. Apollo is famously the patron of the oracle at Delphi. See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo. 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. See also: Hephaestus and Ares.
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 sister of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer. 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. Athena is also the namesake of the city of Athens. 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 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 was the messenger of the gods, 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.
See also: The Little Rascal: Hermes.
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