The Major Gods and Goddesses of The Olympians The Major Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology

Mount Olympus is the mythical home of the Greek gods Home of the Gods Mount Olympus is the mythical home of the Greek gods The 12 Olympians (the major gods & goddess) resided in Zeus’ palace on the peak of Mt. Olympus.

ZEUS Supreme Ruler of the Gods Led brothers & sister (Poseidon, Hades, and Hera) in a revolt against parents (Titans: Cronus & Rhea) He is lord of the sky; his weapon is the mighty thunderbolt He falls in love frequently and has many children

HERA Zeus’ sister and his wife Protector of marriage and Queen of Olympus Mother of: Ares, Hephaestus, and Hebe Very jealous of Zeus’ other lovers, and punishes them by putting curses on their children Known for her fiery temper

Poseidon God of the Sea POSEIDON Ruler of the Seas and Oceans Second most powerful, after Zeus Weapon is the trident Greedy, fickle, argumentative, could cause calm waters or a violent storm Poseidon God of the Sea

Keeps to himself, cold and calculating HADES Lord of the Underworld Ruler of the Dead Keeps to himself, cold and calculating Kinapped Persephone (brother Zeus’ daughter) to have as his wife & goddess of the Underworld Hades Lord of the Underworld

DEMETER Goddess of Agriculture Her moods affect the seasons She lives on Earth, not on Mount Olympus In the fall & winter seasons, she mourns her daughter Persephone

PERSEPHONE Goddess of Spring Daughter of Zeus & Demeter She was Kidnapped by Hades Later Made the Queen of the Underworld Spends Half the Year in Hades, Half on Earth

Goddess of the Hearth & Home HESTIA Goddess of the Hearth & Home She never plays a part in any Greek myth. However, Greeks honored Hestia with their dinnertime prayers, asking her to bless their food and protect their homes.

ARES God of War Cruelest of all the Olympians Hated by all, even his mother & father: Zeus & Hera Ruthless when winning, but a coward when losing

ATHENA Goddess of Battle & Wisdom While adopted by Hera, she is the daughter of Zeus only (sprang from his head) The city of Athens is named after Athena Created: chariot, horse bridle, trumpet, flute, rake, plough, and ship

HEPHAESTUS God of Fire and the Forge He is the only “ugly” god Son of Hera & Zeus Husband of Aphrodite Great at metal-working, created armor for gods & heroes

APHRODITE Goddess of Love and Beauty She sprang from the white beauty of sea foam The most beautiful goddess Wife of Hephaestus She had many affairs with gods and mortal men Aphrodite was pulled through the sky by a swan-drawn cart

HEBE Goddess of Youth Cupbearer of the Gods Daughter of Zeus & Hera Only job was to hold her father’s cup The cup contained the nectar of the gods

APOLLO God of Light and Truth Twin Brother of Artemis, son of Zeus & Leto Very popular god among Greeks: handsome, athletic, intelligent, and honest (never told a lie) Master of music & poetry, the lyre is his instrument & laurel is his tree A wreath of laurels was given to poetry contests winners

Twin Sister of Apollo, daughter of Zeus & Leto ARTEMIS Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt Twin Sister of Apollo, daughter of Zeus & Leto Lady of the Wild Things, she is a hunter but demands mortals pay for killing defenseless animals Weapon: silver arrows

HERMES Messenger of the Gods Son of Zeus and Maia Appears the most often of all the gods due to his job Mischievous and clever Gave Apollo the lyre-Apollo gave Hermes the Caduceus Zeus gave Hermes his job and winged cap and sandals to help him with his duties

Dionysus God of Celebration God of Celebration Son of Zeus and Semele Grape Harvest Winemaking Fertility Common symbol: Grape vine Animal: Panther & Cheetah God of Celebration