Greek Mythology A collection of stories originating pre8

Greek Mythology - A collection of stories originating pre-8 th century B. C. concerning the origins of the universe and man, the escapades of the gods and goddesses and the adventures and triumphs of demi-gods and human heroes.

PANTHEON • Derived from the Greek, meaning “all gods. ” • This term is applied to the thirteen major gods & goddesses who rule from Mt. Olympus.

ZEUS • The ruler of Olympus, leader of the gods, the son of Cronus (leader of the Titans) who overthrew his father to gain control of Olympus • God of the Storm, his symbols are the lightning bolt, the eagle and the oak. • Known for his promiscuity, he fathered many earthly children and drove his wife Hera crazy with jealousy.

HERA • The wife of Zeus, Hera is the goddess of marriage and women. • Her symbols are the cow and the peacock. In Greek myth, she is viewed as jealous and vengeful, constantly seeking retribution against Zeus’ mortal mistresses and their offspring.

POSEIDON • Brother of Zeus, Poseidon is god of the sea and sometimes called “Earth-shaker. ” • He created horses, the chariot and his symbol is the trident.

HADES • Brother of Zeus, ruler of the Underworld and all the precious metals and stones. • His symbols are Cerberus, the three-headed watchdog of the Underworld. He often wears a helmet and is the god of wealth.

APHRODITE • Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite had no parents – she sprang out of the ocean foam. • Zeus married her to Hephaestus, the ugliest of the gods, though she had many affairs. Her affair with Ares produced Cupid.

ARES • Son of Zeus and Hera, Ares is the god of war. He is known for his violent temper and insatiable bloodlust. • He is symbolized by the vulture and the sword and shield, the chariot and all instruments of war.

ATHENA • The goddess of wisdom, Athena sprang fully formed and armored from Zeus’ skull. • She was known as the protector of the city, justice, academics and war strategy. • Her symbols are the owl, the olive branch and she is often depicted in full armor.

APOLLO • Son of Zeus, Apollo is the twin of Artemis. • He is the god of light, prophecy, music, poetry and truth. He is also the god of herds and farmers and is seen as the embodiment of perfect youth. • His instrument is the lyre, a type of harp, most likely the instrument that accompanied Homer.

ARTEMIS • Apollo’s twin, Artemis was a committed virgin and the goddess of the hunt and ironically, the goddess of childbirth. • Her symbols are a stag, the moon, and a bow and arrows.

DIONYSUS • Son of Zeus and a mortal woman, Semele, Dionysus is the god of wine, parties and theater. • He holds a pine-cone topped staff and is followed by satyrs (crazy goat men. ) • As a child, he was kidnapped by pirates and used his divine powers to transform them into dolphins.

HERMES • Son of Zeus, Hermes was the messenger god, the god of travelers, trade, athletes and thieves. • He is the “trickster” god whose symbols are the caduceus and winged sandals.

HEPHAESTUS • Son of Zeus and Hera, Hephaestus is the only “ugly” god – he is seen as brutish and deformed. He is lame because he stepped in between his mother and father during one of their arguments and was thrown from Mt. Olympus by Zeus, damaging his legs. • He is the god of craftsmen and the forge and his symbols are a hammer and tongs, the anvil and fire.

DEMETER • Goddess of the hearth and harvest, Demeter was an important figure in the agricultural year. • Her daughter, Persephone, was the queen of the Underworld. • Her symbol is the cornucopia.