1. The Twelve Great Olympians Zeus – Ruler of all gods and man. Defeated his father Cronus & drew lots with his 3 brothers for their shares of the universe. Chosen as supreme ruler. Controls the lightning bolt Stronger than all other gods combined.

2. The Twelve Great Olympians Hera – Zeus’ wife and sister Queen of the gods. Special protector of marriage & married women. Zeus wasn’t a good husband to her. An angry goddess who never forgot or forgave an insult to herself.

3. The Twelve Great Olympians Poseidon – God of the seas. Zeus’ brother. Very important because Greeks relied on his kindness for their paychecks. In artwork, he always carries the Trident – a three-pronged spear.

4. The Twelve Great Olympians Hades – God of the land of the dead Unwanted and unwelcome at Olympus. Has no pity (still not considered an evil god). Had a helmet that made the wearer appear invisible.

5. The Twelve Great Olympians Hestia – Goddess of the Hearth and domestic life. Usually pictured with a tea kettle Zeus’ sister One of the 3 virgin goddesses.

6. The Twelve Great Olympians (The rest of the 12 Great Olympians are grandchildren of Cronus – mostly fathered by Zeus.) Athena – The goddess of wisdom and war. Zeus’ favorite. Athena sprang fully-grown and dressed in armor from Zeus’ head. The second virgin goddess. Often called the Maiden.

7. The Twelve Great Olympians Apollo – A beautiful god and a master musician. Entertains the gods by playing on his golden lyre. He is god of archery, prophecy, and music. He is sometimes called god of the sun, but the actual Sun-god is Helios.

8. The Twelve Great Olympians Artemis – The last of the virgin goddesses Apollo’s twin The goddess of the moon & the hunt. She is known for having two faces: good and evil.

9. The Twelve Great Olympians Aphrodite – Goddess of love and beauty Born from the sea Zeus made her marry the ugliest (and steadiest) of the gods, Hephaestus.

10. The Twelve Great Olympians Hermes – The god of speed The messenger of the gods Often pictured with winged sandals, a winged hat, and a magic wand.

11. The Twelve Great Olympians Ares – Greek god of war Ruthless Both Zeus and Hera (his parents) hated him. Not important in Greek mythology (usually just a symbol of war).

12. The Twelve Great Olympians Hephaestus – god of fire Popular on earth and on Olympus. Born so lame and ugly that his mom threw him off Mt. Olympus. Hephaestus forged the gods’ armor and built their houses