Olympian Gods and Goddesses GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Mythology noun A body or collection of myths belonging to a people and addressing their origin, history, deities, ancestors, and heroes. www.dictionary.com

What is a myth, exactly? A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or outlining the psychology, customs, or ideals of society www.dictionary.com

What is a myth, exactly? A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology. ideology- a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system, etc and underlies political action…a philosophy of life. www.dictionary.com

Zeus (Jupiter) King of the gods God of weather Ruler of Mt. Olympus God of weather Dominating and powerful with a soft spot for pretty women Hurls thunderbolts when irritated

Aphrodite (Venus) Goddess of love and beauty No formal duties besides being lovely Married to Hephaestus (unwillingly); was unfaithful to him

Apollo (Phoebus) God of the sun In charge of moving the sun across the sky Hunter; patron of archery Patron of the arts, especially music, and medicine (had healing powers)

Ares (Mars) God of war Involvement with all warlike activities and will intervene in war Violent and eager to fight, is indifferent to “right and wrong” in battle

Artemis (Diana) Goddess of the moon In charge of movement of moon across the sky Twin of Apollo Mighty huntress; protector of small children and animals

Athena (Minerva) Goddess of wisdom and war Preferred reason to violence, except when pushed Overseer of household crafts Very competitive

Demeter (Ceres) Goddess of the earth and harvest Responsible growth of crops and fruits Strong motherly instincts

Dionysus (Liber) God of wine and theater Wild and fun-loving personality Has undesirable friends

Hephaestus (Vulcan) God of fire and artisans Skilled craftsman and metal worker Married to Aphrodite (against her will) Only crippled god/thrown down Olympus by his mother Hera Admired for his work

Hera (Juno) Queen of gods and protector of women Associated with marriage; spent much time pursuing Zeus’ other women Jealous and vain; beautiful

Hermes (Mercury) Messenger of the gods Mischievous and a trouble-maker Protector of thieves Winged helmet and sandals

Poseidon (Neptune) God of the sea and earthquakes Giver of horses to mortals His weapon in the Triton (three-pronged fork) Controlled the waves