1. Greek Gods The gods of the Ancient Greeks were not only meant to explain the existence of the world and why things happened. Their personalities and behaviors were also mirrors for the mortals who worshipped them. Each god represented certain values and beliefs, had objects that they were associated with or represented them, and had stories that told why they were to be both feared and respected.

2. ZEUS Symbol/association –Thunderbolt/lightning, sky Super Powers –Hurls Thunderbolts, Weather control, Shapeshifting From an Important Family –Son of the Titans Chronos and Rhea –Brother of Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera Feared and Respected –Zeus overthrew his father Chronos, a Titan (the powerful immortal beings who created the universe), to become King of the Gods. He is said to be the source of all good and bad in the world, and is both protector and punisher of mortal beings. He lives upon Mt. Olympus, controls thunder and lightning, and is the father of many of the lesser Gods and Goddesses.

3. POSEIDON Symbol/association –The Seas, fish, dolphins, Trident (three pronged spear), earthquakes Super Powers –Control of the sea and its inhabitants, could call forth earthquakes with his Trident, able to summon storms From an Important Family –Son of the Titans Chronos and Rhea –Brother of Zeus, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera Feared and Respected –Aided his brother Zeus in overthrowing the Titans. Lord of all the Seas. Both friend and enemy of all sailors. Said to have built the walls of Troy, one of his favorite cities, and to have created horses. Vexed Odysseus in his attempts to return to Ithaca.

4. ATHENA Symbol/association –Wisdom, the owl Super Powers –Virgin mother of Ericthnonious; born fully grown and armed from Zeus’s head; friend of Nike, goddess of victory; keeper of the Aegis, a shield that can summon thunderclouds From an Important Family –Mother was Metis, goddess of wisdom –Daughter of Zeus, niece of Poseidon Feared and Respected –Favorite child of Zeus, outdid her uncle Poseidon in a contest for the naming of Athens by creating the olive tree