Apollo He was the god of the sun, music, poetry, archery, and healing Twin brother of Artemis Symbol = lyre

Artemis Artemis was the goddess of hunting and the moon. When Zeus offered to give her presents, she asked for a bow and arrows, to stay young forever, and she asked to never have to marry. She was a skillful hunter, and she and her twin brother, Apollo often hunted together. She was also independent, though, and didn’t mind being alone. She was determined and fought for what she wanted. Her arrows stung and could cause suffering, but she loved animals and children and protected them. Once when a hunter accidentally saw her bathing in a stream without her clothes on, she turned him into a deer, and his own hunting dogs ate him. Symbol = bow and arrow

Hermes Hermes was the messenger of the gods. He grew to be Zeus’s personal messenger and helper. He was clever and always ready for action. He was the happiest of all the Olympians and was always looking for an adventure. He was as well-liked by the mortals as he was by the gods and could talk anyone into anything. He traveled as fast as the wind on winged sandals. He had a magical wand called a caduceus that allowed him to control humans. He guided human souls to the underworld after death. Symbol = winged cap or sandals

Ares He was the god of war and violence He was very strong and courageous Symbol = spear

Athena She was the goddess of wisdom and war. She oversaw all arts and crafts, such as weaving and pottery. She was the chief goddess of the city of Athens, which was named for her. Symbol = owl, olive tree

Dionysus Dionysus was the god of wine and festivities. He was handsome, happy, playful, and full of laughter. He was the youngest of the Olympians and liked to hang out on earth, partying and traveling. He traveled the world over, teaching the art of wine-making. His attitude toward life was “don’t worry, be happy.” He brought much joy to mankind. He got to sit on one of the thrones on Mount Olympus when Hestia gave her throne up to him. Symbol = grapes

Hephaestus Hephaestus was the god of fire and blacksmiths. He had weak legs and couldn’t walk, but the rest of his body was very strong. He was hardworking, kind, and generous. He spent many hours in his workshop and was very skilled at making things out of gold. He made all the golden thrones, palaces, jewelry, chariots, weapons, and tools for all the gods. He married beautiful Aphrodite. Symbol = hammer

Aphrodite Aphrodite was the goddess of love and the most beautiful Olympian of all. One look from Aphrodite could make any man fall in love with her. She rose out of the sea on the foam of the waves, and she had no parents. Zeus was afraid the gods would fight over her, so he quickly chose Hephaestus to be her husband. Hephaestus loved her and made beautiful jewels for her, but she was not happy to be married to him. Her son, Eros, darted about with a bow and arrows. Whoever was hit with one of his arrows would fall madly in love with the first person he saw. Symbol = rose or seashell