Greek Gods

The ancient Greeks tried to explain various phenomena by creating their own gods. The Greek gods were human-like in form and each of them had a unique fable.

Aphrodite was the Greek Goddess of Beauty, Youth, and Love. She was the most beautiful of the goddesses who lived in Mount Olympus, and she controlled the rebirth of nature and human beings. She was born out of the foams of the Paphos River in Cyprus when a titan named Cronos killed his father Ouranos and flung his genitals to the sea. The Romans called her “Venus”.

Apollo was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Leto , and he was born in a Greek island called Delos. He was the Olympian God of Light, the Sun, and Prophecy. However, he was more famous as the God of Music, as he was exceptionally proficient in playing the lyre. Apollo is said to have invented the lute as well.

Ares was the Olympian God of War, and he was known as “Mars” to the Romans. He was the Greek God of War, and he used to reside in Mount Olympus. Zeus and Hera were his parents, and he was always accompanied by the Goddess of Discord, Eris. Aphrodite was a secret mistress of Ares.

Artemis was the Greek Goddess of the Moon and Hunt, and she was also the protector of the young. Her mother was the mortal Leto while her father was Zeus. Artemis was born on Mount Cynthus in the island of Delos. She was called “Diana” by the Romans.

Athena was the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, War, and Skills, and she taught humans a number of skills, which included weaving, sewing, metallurgy, and agriculture. She was the daughter of Zeus and Metis, and she was made the patron deity of the ancient city of Athens. Her Roman name was “Minerva”.

Demeter was the daughter of the titans Cronus and Rhea. She was the Greek Goddess of Agriculture, and she was a peaceful goddess who taught humans how to cultivate the earth. Demeter was also associated with growth and propagation of vegetation on earth.

Dionysus was the Greek God of Joy, Theatre, and Wine, and his parents were Zeus and Semele. He had a peaceful disposition, and he was one of the few gods who didn’t reside in Mount Olympus. He spent much of his life travelling around the world in search of better wine-making processes.

Hades was the Greek God who ruled the Underworld, and he was called “Pluto” by the Romans. He was aided by Charos, the Angel of the Dead, and he also had a dog with three heads called Cerberus. Hades was perpetually enveloped in silence and darkness.

Hephaestus was an Olympian god who was affable and very benevolent. He was the Greek God of Metallurgy, and he was married to Aphrodite. Hephaestus was born ugly, and because of this, his mother Hera flung him from Mount Olympus in a fit of rage. However, he was rescued by two Nerieds who raised him in a cave near Mount Olympus.

Hera was the Greek Goddess of Marriage, and she was also a protector of married women. Her parents were Rhea and Cronus, and she was the sister of Zeus. Hera was eventually married to Zeus. Their marriage was celebrated in a grand manner, and she gave birth to four children. Her Roman name was “Juno”.

Hermes was the son of Zeus and a mountain nymph called Maea, and he had a bad habit of stealing. Hence, he grew up to become the God of Cheaters and Thieves. Hermes was also the fastest of the Greek gods, owing to the wings that were attached to his sandals. So, he also became the conductor of souls that reached the Underworld.

Hestia was the eldest daughter of the titans Rhea and Cronus, and therefore, she was the oldest Olympian goddess. She became the Goddess of Home and Family, and she was loved by each and every Olympian deity because of her affable nature. The Romans called her “Vesta”.

Persephone was the Greek Goddess of the Underworld and the Bounty of Spring. Her parents were Zeus and Demeter, and she was married to Hades. When she was playing with her companions one day, she was abducted by Hades and brought to the Underworld. Although she did return to earth later, she had to spend a few months in the Underworld every year, because she ate Hades’ pomegranate seeds. Her Roman name was “Proserpine”.

Poseidon was the Greek God of the Seas and Oceans, and he was the offspring of Rhea and Cronus. He was also the God of Earthquakes. Poseidon had a volatile temper, and he had two palaces, one in Mount Olympus and another under the sea. He usually lived in the palace under the sea with his wife Amphitrite. Poseidon was known as “Neptune” to the Romans.

Zeus was the Supreme God of the Greeks, and he was the ruler of all human beings. He was also the father of all the Olympian gods. He was the last child of Rhea and Cronus, and he was the most revered of all the gods in Mount Olympus. Although he was married to Hera, Zeus had a number of love affairs. He was also regarded as the God of Justice, who kept everything in balance.

Other Resources on the Gods

Mr. Donns Greek God Round-up - Great information on the gods for children.

Greek Gods Historical Background - Info on the religious and social background of the myths.

The Lessor Gods- Fourteen of the less famous Greek gods and goddesses.

MythWeb - Learn more about the gods heroes and monsters of Greek mythology.

Delta Sigma Theta Merchandise - Not your typical Greek god wear, but great if you are a Delta Lady.