The Olympian Gods The Twelve Olympians 10 Always

The Olympian Gods

The Twelve Olympians 10 “Always Olympians”: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hephaestus, Athena, Ares 4 “Variable” Olympians: Hestia, Demeter, Hades, Dionysus The palace of the gods was believed to be Mt. Olympus in Greece. The gods took sides during the Trojan War.

Zeus • • • “Father of Gods and Men” Chief god, god of the sky Married to Hera Symbols: Oak, Eagle, Thunderbolt Roman name: Jupiter or Jove

Hera • • Wife of Zeus Goddess of marriage, queen of Olympus Symbols: Peacock, cow Roman name: Juno

Poseidon • • • God of the sea, horses, and earthquakes Brother of Zeus and Hades Symbols: Trident, horse Lived in palace under the sea Roman name: Neptune

Ares • • God of war (bloodlust) Son of Zeus and Hera Symbols: Dog, vulture Roman name: Mars

Athena Goddess of wisdom, tactical warfare, crafts Born from Zeus’ head Symbols: owl, olive branch Patron goddess of the city of Athens, Greece Roman name: Minerva • •

Hermes • God of travelers, thieves, tricksters and merchants • Son of Zeus and Maia • Symbols: caduceus, winged helmet and winged sandals • Messenger of the gods • Roman name: Mercury

Apollo • • God of light, prophecy, archery, healing, music Son of Zeus and Leto, twin of Artemis Symbols: laurel, lyre Roman name: Apollo

Artemis • Goddess of the hunt, moon, childbirth, young girls • Daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin of Apollo • Symbols: bow, stag, moon • Like Athena and Hestia, she never married Roman name: Diana

Aphrodite Goddess of love and beauty Born of sea-foam Symbols: dove, myrtle, swan Was married to Hephaestus, the ugliest god, but was a lover of Ares • Roman name: Venus • •

Hephaestus • God of the fire and forge • Son of Zeus and Hera (some say just Hera) • Symbols: anvil, fire • Was thrown from Mt. Olympus and crippled at birth by either Zeus or Hera Roman name: Vulcan

Hades • • • God of the dead and the Underworld Brother of Zeus and Poseidon Symbols: helmet, jewels/metals Lived in palace in the Underworld Roman name: Pluto or Dis

Dionysus • • • God of wine and grapevine Son of Zeus and the mortal Semele Symbols: grapevine, ivy, snake Could also cause and cure madness Roman name: Bacchus

Hestia • Goddess of the hearth/home • Sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter • Symbol: hearth-fire • Like Athena and Artemis, she never married • Some say she gave up her Olympian throne to allow Dionysus to become one of the 12 • Roman name: Vesta

Demeter • Goddess of grain and harvest • Sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and Hestia • Symbols: wheat/grain, cornucopia (horn of plenty) • Roman name: Ceres