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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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