the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece

MOUNT OLYMPUS Home of the Gods Originally thought to be a real mountain Finally came to be thought of as a Floating Mountain in the sky

ALL CRONOS’ CHILDREN

HESTIA (Roman Name: Vesta) Goddess of the hearth and its fire Rejected advances of Poseidon and Apollo Fire obtained with difficulty – used for daily needs and religious ceremony Hearth was center of family and larger political units

HADES (Roman Name: Pluto) Lord of the Underworld Ruler of the Dead Brother to Poseidon and Zeus Parents: Cronos & Rhea Symbol: Cerberus, sceptre

Ruler of the Seas and Oceans POSEIDON (Roman Name: Neptune) Ruler of the Seas and Oceans Symbol: Trident, fish, dolphin Wife: Amphitrite

DEMETER (Roman Name: Ceres) Goddess of Corn and Agriculture Her moods affect the seasons Mother of Persephone

HERA (Roman Name: Juno) Zeus’ wife and sister Protector of Marriage and Married Women – depicted with crown and scepter Very jealous of Zeus’ numerous lovers

Male dominant society – glorified image of husband, father, and lover ZEUS (Roman Name: Jupiter) Supreme ruler of the Gods His weapon was the mighty THUNDERBOLT© He falls in love frequently and often acts on it (even though he is married) Male dominant society – glorified image of husband, father, and lover

ALL ZEUS’ CHILDREN

HEPHAESTUS (Roman Name: Vulcan) Son of Zeus and Hera OR from Hera herself Lame from birth God of Fire and the Forge He is the Only Ugly God Husband of Aphrodite

None of the other Gods like him much ARES (Roman Name: Mars) Son of Zeus and Hera God of War None of the other Gods like him much Symbol: helmet, spear

ATHENA (Roman Name: Minerva) Battle Maiden and Goddess of Wisdom While Adopted by Hera, she is the daughter of Zeus Only (Sprang from his Head) OR Daughter of Zeus and Metis

Twin Brother of Artemis APOLLO (Roman Name: Apollo) Son of Zeus and Leto Twin Brother of Artemis God of Music and Poetry God of Light and Truth No False Words (Never Told a Lie)

APHRODITE (Roman Name: Venus) Daughter of Zeus and Dione OR Sprang from blood of Uranus in the Ocean Goddess of Love and Beauty Wife of Hephaestus

ARTEMIS (Roman Name: Diana) Daughter of Zeus and Leto Twin Sister of Apollo Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt Lady of the Wild Things Symbol: Bow, arrow, stags

HERMES (Roman Name: Mercury) Son of Zeus and Maia Messenger of the Gods Has wings on sandals and cap Appears the most often of all the Gods

Last god to be accepted on Mount Olympus Dionysus (Roman Name: Bacchus) God of the Vine God of Wine God of Drama Last god to be accepted on Mount Olympus Son of Zeus and Semele (mortal)

Eros Greek god of Love Roman: Cupid Primordial God OR son of Aphrodite Depicted as a young adult Married to Psyche Daughter: Voluptas

Pan God of the wild and hunting Companion of nymphs Half human-half goat Parentage is unclear Associated with spring Symbol: Pan flute

Nike Goddess of Victory Roman name: Victoria Daughter of Pallas and Styx Sister of Kratos (strength), Bia (force), and Zelus (Zeal) Symbols: Golden sandals, wreath, wings

Persephone Daughter of Zeus and Demeter Queen of the Underworld Roman Name: Proserpina Associated with Spring Robed and carrying grain Symbol: Pomegranate, seeds of grain, torch, flowers, deer