Mnemonic Devices for Gods and Goddesses

Zeus, Jove, Jupiter Jove and Jupiter both start with J (so does Juno) Jupiter was stupider to cheat on his wife Zeus is the “big guy” and Jupiter is the biggest planet Ruler of sky; eagle and lighting in the sky

Poseidon PoSEIdon – like sea The sea is blue, so is Neptune Spongebob character is Neptune Seismic – measurement of earthquake Poseidon likes to ride on horses King Trident in “Little Mermaid”

Hera Sahara desert is hot; she’s the goddess of women and she’s hot Hera – as in H-E-R, a girl, she, female The movie “Juno” D’you (Juno) where my husband is? Pomegranate has seeds = fertility Proud as a peacock Juno and Hera are both four letters

Athena It takes NERVE (Minerva) to go to war Both end with A. (But so do others) Minerva, maneuver – as in war strategy Zeus’s headache was really getting on his nerves.

Apollo He’s a twin, so is his name Women were Apalled (Apollowed) at his charm and good looks The lyre (liar) is opposite of truth and prophesy

Artemis The ARTemis of shooting arrows DI ANimals Michael Jackson does the moon walk and sings about Diana

Ares M M Both have four letters and end with Z sound Mars is the red planet. Red like blood. March is named for Mars. Soldiers march into war ars ars M M

Hephaestus Vulcan = volcano Hephaestus sounds like fester; a sore from a burn might fester A volcano is like a festering sore in the earth Vulcans have the fastest blacksmiths

Aphrodite The goddess of beauty would use a Venus razor Venus fly traps attract victims Aphrodite wore an up-do, not an Afro

Hermes Mercury is quick. Hermes flies around quickly.

Hestia Hestia almost rhymes with Vesta. Think Hestia – Vestia Remember the H’s – Hestia, Hearth, Home

Dionysis A ruckus is a crazy or confused atmosphere. Bacchus is like ruckus If he keeps drinking, he might DIE ON ICE