The past month now I have been consumed by the Assassin's Creed: Odyssey video game set in the golden age of Ancient Greece. The map is extremely detailed with so much free-roaming game play, interactions, and historical references which is why I love the AC game series. I will later have a full review of this particular game but for now I want to turn to the culture. I have written many times now about Greek history, mythology, and culture and would consider it among my favorites of all world cultures.
Just a couple years ago I wrote a historical study of ancient Greece, (Greek Antiquity) focusing on this exact classical period that is covered in the game (approximately in the 5th century BC). The post was a general summary of the golden age of Greece, beginning with the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, the leading figures of the time, the notable writers, historians, philosophers, the classic architecture, the conquest of Macedonia, and the eventual downfall to the Romans. I most likely will make a deeper dive into these historical events at some point but for now I want to shift focus to the mythology.
Just a couple years ago I wrote a historical study of ancient Greece, (Greek Antiquity) focusing on this exact classical period that is covered in the game (approximately in the 5th century BC). The post was a general summary of the golden age of Greece, beginning with the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, the leading figures of the time, the notable writers, historians, philosophers, the classic architecture, the conquest of Macedonia, and the eventual downfall to the Romans. I most likely will make a deeper dive into these historical events at some point but for now I want to shift focus to the mythology.
I have also already written a general summary of Greek Culture and Mythology before, (Greek Culture and Greek Mythology) which was almost ten years ago. However I noticed that in my mythology post, I somewhat overlooked the main gods and focused more on the heroes. (Perhaps that's because Homer's Illiad story has always been the root of my appreciation for Greek Mythology). Therefore in this post I would like to focus on the main Greek gods, their significance, and their offspring.
Mount Olympus
The major deities of the Greek Polytheistic Religious system are often referred to as the 12 Olympians. And from these 12 great Olympians came many offspring who went on to also become respected gods, goddesses, kings, queens, and heroes. However in truth these 12 main gods are not the founders of life, yet actually are third generation super-beings. They became the major deities because of the role they played in the War against the Titans, lead by the great Zeus. From which point on they reigned over mankind from high in the mountainous clouds of Olympus. The term Olympians was derived from their residence on Mount Olympus. The mountain is the highest in Greece, and the gods dwell among it's highest peak Mytikas in the clouds.
Major Greek Gods of Olympus
Zeus
Known as: "King of the Gods"
God of: The Sky, Lightning, Thunder, Law, Order, and Justice
Symbol: Thunderbolt, eagle, bull, oak
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Hera and many others
Offspring:
Temples: Temple of Zeus in Olympia Greece completed in 457 BC; it housed the Statue of Zeus which was considered an ancient wonder of the world.
Significance: He is the king of the gods, the great warrior who defeated the titans. Zues' thunderbolt is his main symbol and weapon. It was presented to him as a gift from Cyclops for after Zues saved him from the dungeons of Tartarus. He ruled the sky, while his brother Poseidon ruled the waters, and his other brother Hades ruled the underworld. He is often paired with his sister Hera, who ruled the skies as his wife and queen.
Hera
Known as: "Queen of the Gods"
God of: Marriage, Women, Childbirth, Family
Symbol: Peacock, Cow, Cuckoo
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Zeus
Offspring:
Temples: The Heraion of Samos was considered the greatest of Hera temples built in approximately the 8th century BC.
Significance: Hera is associated as the motherly queen of the Gods and of all mankind. While she gave birth to various children with Zues she is often portrayed as spiteful of his actions. She is especially jealous of her husband's many affairs with other women.
Poseidon
Known as: "God of the Seas"
God of: Sea, Water, Storms, and Horses
Symbol: Trident, Horse, Bull, Dolphin
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Amphitrite and various others
Offspring:
Temples: The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion is one of the most iconic monuments from the Golden Age of Athens associated to the sea-god. It was built in 440 BC and some of it's columns still remain to this day.
Significance: He is the brother of Zeus and the king of the seas often depicted with his golden trident. He played a significant role in Homer's iconic Odyssey, a tale of a hero traveling the seas to return to his wife. Poseidon is bitter towards the Greek hero Odysseus, for defeating the Trojans and his monster son Polyphemus. He is often depicted as a powerful god who demonstrates his fury through waves, hurricanes, and storms. His spouse was Amphitrite however he had other lovers and gave birth to various monsters, animals, and non-humans.
Demeter
Known as: "Goddess of the Harvest"
God of: Harvest, Agriculture, Nature, and the Seasons
Symbol: Poppy, wheat, torch, pig
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Iasion, Zeus, and Poseidon
Offspring:
Temples: The Temple of Demeter on Naxos Island is considered the most significant shrine to this god, built in the 6th century BC.
Significance: She is associated as the motherly goddess of the harvest and also presides over sacred laws. Unlike the other goddesses she had various relationships with the gods ranging from Iasion, Zeus, and Poseidon. However her favorite child was Persephone who would later become the goddess of vegetation and springtime. Demeter is the prominent figure (along with her daughter Persephone) of the ancient Greek celebratory tradition known as the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Athena
Known as: "Goddess of Wisdom"
God of: Wisdom, Warfare
Symbol: Owl, olive tree, armor, helmets, spears
Parents: Zeus
Temples: Greek's greatest city of Athens was named after the goddess of Wisdom. The greatest monument in all of Greece is the Parthenon which was dedicated to her. Also there is the Temple of Athena Nike which sits on top the Acropolis of Athens, besides the great Parthenon. The Acropolis was completed by 420 BC, as a monument to Athena, the patron of victory. The monument still stands to this day as one of the most historical sites in all of Greece.
Significance: The story of Athena is quite a unique and fascinating ones as she is depicted as one of the first great female warriors in ancient folklore. She was the daughter of Zeus, who burst from his head in full body armor. She was as skilled in wits as she was in warfare hence the title, Goddess of Wisdom. In Homer's Iliad, her feud with Hera and Aphrodite is what brought upon the Trojan War. In many of the ancient Greek tales, she provides counsel to the great heroes such as Herakles, Jason, Perseus, Bellerophon, and Odysseus. She did not have a spouse, lover, nor any children which is why she is often considered as the full time protector of Greece.
Apollo
Known as: "God of the Sun"
God of: Light, the sun, prophecy, philosophy, archery, medicine, healing
Symbol: Arrow, Sun, lyre, swan, mouse
Spouse: Many lovers
Parents: Zeus and Leto
Offspring:
Temples: There were many temples to Apollo scattered throughout Greece in the ancient days, with mention dating as far back as the 8th century in Homer's Illiad. One of the more historical ones is located at Delphi, where the ruins still stand to this day.
Significance: His influence throughout Greek mythology rivals that of Zeus when considering the amount of children and temples he has. He was the son of the titan goddess, Leto and the twin brother of Artemis. He is depicted with a unique blend of strength and beauty. He brings light upon the world thru the use of his bow and arrow yet is also renown for his musical talents on the lyre. He is considered the father of the sun and the patron of the wise all-knowing oracle. Thru his masculine beauty he had many lovers and produced many offspring who became kings, queens, heroes, and artists in their own regards. His influence carried over to Roman mythology, and interestingly he is the only major Greek god he kept his same name for the Romans.
Artemis
Known as: "Goddess of the Hunt"
God of: Wilderness, hunting, virginity, moon,
Symbol: Moon, Deer, Bow, Arrows, Dogs
Parents: Zeus and Leto
Temples: Artemis was one of the most worshiped of the Greek deities and had many temples and shrines built to honor her. The most famous of these was the Temple of Artemis located in Ephesus, Turkey which was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed to have first been built in the 8th century BC, however was destroyed by a flood. It's second construction was far more monumental and took place during the classical age. It stood for only a hundred years however when it was burnt in 356 BC by an arsonist seeking fame. The third construction of the temple was initiated by Alexander the Great and was even more impressive than before. This temple stood for nearly 600 BC and was later witnessed by Christians as a house of paganism.
Significance: The goddess Artemis shared a commonality to Athena and Hestia in that they did not have any lovers nor children. She remained a maiden of Greece and served as the people's protector of the wilderness, hunting, the night, and of sickness.
Ares
Known as: "God of War"
God of: War, violence, bloodshed, and masculinity
Symbol: Sword, Shield, helmet, chariot, boar, dog, vulture
Parents: Zeus and Hera
Spouse: Aphrodite and others
Offspring:
Temples: One of the most notable temples built to Ares was located in the northern part of the Agora of Athens. The ruins of the temple date it's construction back to the 5th century during the golden age of Greece.
Significance: He is the utmost embodiment of war, neither good nor evil, rather a sheer representation of the violent chaos that comes with it. His lust for blood and violence often makes him the front-runner of Greek masculinity and therefore he is the perfect opposite to his sister Aphrodite, the very feminine goddess of love. Their love affair is the stuff of total romance yet also total scandal at the hands of Aphrodite's righteous husband, Hephaestus. Ares played an influential role in the Iliad when his father Zeus tells him he is the most hated of all the gods. He later aids the Trojans in the war yet is defeated by his sister Athena who aids the Greeks. Ares' character demonstrates the unique mixture of strength and courage, yet also selfishness and wickedness that comes with war.
Aphrodite
Known as: "Goddess of Love"
God of: Love, beauty, femininity, passion, desire,
Symbol: Dove, bird, flowers, apple, bee, swan
Parents: Zeus and Dione (or Uranus severed genitals)
Spouse: Hephaestus, Ares, Poseidon, Hermes, Dionysus, Adonis, and Anchises
Offspring:
Temples: Two of the most notable temples to Aphrodite were located in Urania and Ancient Corinth. The Temple of Aphrodite at Acrocorinth was the more notable of the two built during the golden age of the 5th century BC. It's greatest claim to fame was it's accusations of temple prostitution which was believed to have occurred yet never was confirmed.
Significance: As the goddess of love she is the embodiment of beauty, allure, passion, and femininity. Her birth is often debated as the child of Zeus and the titan goddess Dione, or as a product of the severed genitals of Uranus who was castrated by his son Cronus. Her influence takes center stage in the Iliad, as she is able to win the argument with Hera and Athena, and convince Paris to choose love over power and wisdom. Unlike the other major Greek goddesses who are presented as pure, righteous, and motherly with their virginity intact, Aphrodite represents total passion and has numerous relations. She is first married to Hephaestus, then has a love affair with Ares to the dismay of Hephaestus. Aphrodite and Ares is perhaps the most recognized of Greek love stories, as together they compose perfect symmetry of masculinity and femininity and produce the famous angels of love known as the Erotes. Aphrodite also has love relations with the gods Hermes and Dionysus, and the humans King Anchises, the son of Aeneas. She also had another feud with the goddess Persephone over the very handsome mortal hunter, Adonis. However one day Apollo's son Erymanthus saw Aphrodite bathing nude, and she blinded him, and in response Apollo transformed into a boar and killed Aphrodite's lover Adonis. Aphrodite is the pinnacle of human beauty and has inspired many works of art, paintings, sculptures, and architecture.
Hephaestus
Known as: "Blacksmith of the Gods"
God of: Craftsmanship, Blacksmith, Forgery, Fire
Symbol: Fire, hammer, anvil, donkey, tongs, quail
Parents: Zeus and Hera, or Hera alone
Spouse: Aphrodite, Aglaea
Offspring:
Temples: Many temples were built to glorify the god of building, Hephaestus and he is especially honored in the region of Lemnos. However the most famous monument to Hephaestus is Theseion located in the Agora of Athens. The temple was completed in 415 BC and is one of the few temples from the classical age to still stand mostly intact. No doubt the ingenuity of this edifice is a testament to the god of craftsmanship.
Significance: Hephaestus is the righteous hardworking god of Olympus, not spoiled or deterred like his counterparts. His birth is often debated as a product of Zeus and Hera, or merely as an asexual reproduction from Hera. There are also conflicting accounts that Hephaestus defended his mother from Zeus' advances yet was also cast from Olympus by his own mother due to his deformed feet. Hephaestus is often depicted as the ugliest of the gods and his cripple made him not as majestic as the others. However his true glory came from the work of his hands, as he was no doubt the most skilled of the gods. He was first married to the beautiful Aphrodite, yet she later cheated on him with Ares causing them to separate. He later married one of the Graces, Aglaea and they had several children together. The children of Hephaestus and Algea went on to be charming spirits in their own regards.
Hermes
Known as: "Messenger of the Gods"
God of: Travel, commerce, communications, diplomacy
Symbol: The Caduceus, winged sandals, stork, tortoise
Parents: Zeus and Maia
Spouse: Merope, Aphrodite, Dryope, Peitho, Polymele
Offspring:
Temples: Hermes did not have many major temples like the other gods however he did have many statues scattered around ancient Athens and Greece.
Significance: Hermes is considered the messenger of the gods and serves as the administrator of all business and diplomatic dealings. He is often associated as a speedy courier with his winged cap and winged shoes. He is also the patron of travel, roads, merchants, sailors, and athletes. He is often associated with trickery and thievery perhaps due to his quick and sneaky nature. He has also made various missions into the underworld and is sometimes seen as another guide of dead souls.
Hestia
Known as: "Goddess of the Hearth"
God of: The hearth, fire, the home, family, domesticity, and the state
Symbol: Fire
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Temples: She did not have any major significant temple however the ancient court houses of Greece known as the prytaneum were often regarded as the sanctuary of Hestia for she was seen as the goddess of the government.
Significance: She was the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea however is one of the least popular of the Gods of Olympus. Her claim to fame is the goddess of the fireplace and she became a symbol of the sanctity of the household as well as family. Similar to Athena and Artemis she did not have any lovers nor children. She is rather seen as a maiden and protector of Greece.
Dionysus
Known as: "God of Wine"
God of: Wine, Festivities, Ecstasy, Madness, Drama, and Resurrection
Symbol: Thyrsus, grapevine, bull, panther, ivy, goat, chalice
Parents: Zeus and Semele, or Zeus and Persephone
Spouse: Aphrodite, Ariadne
Offspring:
Temples: Dionysus had many cults and following due to his exuberant personae. His character is celebrated in festivals, plays, and art throughout Greece and Rome. Perhaps one of the most significant of these temples was located in Naxos built in the 4th century. All that is left of the temple today is it's ruins.
Significance: Dionysus is one of the most intriguing of the major Greek gods, with many accounts from various sources. It is ultimately accepted that he was a symbol of indulgence and festivity however his origins are often speculated. It is often debated who his parents were, whether Zeus, Persephone, or Semele or even suggested as a wayfaring foreigner who introduced wine to the gods. Various accounts indicate that Dionysus was killed by the titans and he was somehow resurrected by his mother Semele. For this reason he is often associated with the underworld and even Egyptian connections to the god of the afterlife, Osiris. He is celebrated in many festivals and is seen as a god of festivity, theatrical drama, the arts, and just having a good time.
Zeus
Known as: "King of the Gods"
God of: The Sky, Lightning, Thunder, Law, Order, and JusticeSymbol: Thunderbolt, eagle, bull, oak
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Hera and many others
Offspring:
- Aecus (King of Aegina Island, became a judge of the afterlife)
- Agdistis (Symbol of androgyny and uncontrollable nature)
- Angelos (Became a deity of the underworld)
- Aphrodite (Goddess of Love)
- Apollo (God of the Sun)
- Ares (God of War)
- Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt)
- Athena (Goddess of Wisdom)
- Dionysus (God of wine and festivity)
- Eileithyia (Goddess of fertility)
- Enyo (Goddess of war)
- Epaphus (King of Egypt)
- Eris (Goddess of strife and discord)
- Ersa (Goddess of dew)
- Hebe (Goddess of youth and prime)
- Helen of Troy (Most beautiful woman in the world, who causes the Trojan War)
- Hephaestus (God of blacksmiths)
- Heracles (Greatest of the Greek heroes, slayer of monsters, and the Twelve Labours)
- Hermes (God of travel and messenger of the Gods
- Minos (King of Crete, later became a judge of the afterlife with Aecus)
- Pandia (The daughter of Zeus and the goddess of the moon Selene)
- Persephone (Goddess of vegetation, queen of the underworld)
- Perseus (Greatest of Greek heroes, slayer of Medusa)
- Rhadamanthus (Wise king of Crete, later becomes judge of the underworld)
- The Graces (Goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, and creativity)
- The Horea (Goddesses of the seasons and the change of time)
- The Muses (Goddesses of literature, science, art, and inspiration)
- The Moirai (Gods of fate and destiny)
Temples: Temple of Zeus in Olympia Greece completed in 457 BC; it housed the Statue of Zeus which was considered an ancient wonder of the world.
Significance: He is the king of the gods, the great warrior who defeated the titans. Zues' thunderbolt is his main symbol and weapon. It was presented to him as a gift from Cyclops for after Zues saved him from the dungeons of Tartarus. He ruled the sky, while his brother Poseidon ruled the waters, and his other brother Hades ruled the underworld. He is often paired with his sister Hera, who ruled the skies as his wife and queen.
Hera
Known as: "Queen of the Gods"God of: Marriage, Women, Childbirth, Family
Symbol: Peacock, Cow, Cuckoo
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Zeus
Offspring:
- Angelos (Became a deity of the underworld)
- Ares (God of War)
- Eileithyia (Goddess of fertility)
- Enyo (Goddess of war)
- Eris (Goddess of strife and discord)
- Hebe (Goddess of youth and prime)
- Hephaestus (God of blacksmiths)
Temples: The Heraion of Samos was considered the greatest of Hera temples built in approximately the 8th century BC.
Significance: Hera is associated as the motherly queen of the Gods and of all mankind. While she gave birth to various children with Zues she is often portrayed as spiteful of his actions. She is especially jealous of her husband's many affairs with other women.
Poseidon
Known as: "God of the Seas"God of: Sea, Water, Storms, and Horses
Symbol: Trident, Horse, Bull, Dolphin
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Amphitrite and various others
Offspring:
- Theseus (King, hero, and founder of Athens)
- Triton (King of the sea, often depicted as a merman)
- Polyphemus (One eyed man-eating giant mentioned in the Odyssey)
- Orion (Giant huntsman who later become a constellation of stars)
- Belus (King of Egypt)
- Agenor (King of Tyre)
- Neleus (King of Pylos and father of Nestor mentioned in the Odyssey)
- Atlas (First king of Atlantis)
- Pegasus (White winged horse, who is the stead of the great hero Perseus)
Temples: The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion is one of the most iconic monuments from the Golden Age of Athens associated to the sea-god. It was built in 440 BC and some of it's columns still remain to this day.
Significance: He is the brother of Zeus and the king of the seas often depicted with his golden trident. He played a significant role in Homer's iconic Odyssey, a tale of a hero traveling the seas to return to his wife. Poseidon is bitter towards the Greek hero Odysseus, for defeating the Trojans and his monster son Polyphemus. He is often depicted as a powerful god who demonstrates his fury through waves, hurricanes, and storms. His spouse was Amphitrite however he had other lovers and gave birth to various monsters, animals, and non-humans.
Demeter
Known as: "Goddess of the Harvest"
Symbol: Poppy, wheat, torch, pig
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Spouse: Iasion, Zeus, and Poseidon
Offspring:
- Persephone (Goddess of vegetation, queen of the underworld)
- Despoina (Goddess of mysteries)
- Arion (An extremely swift immortal horse)
- Plutus (God of wealth; yet often considered the son of Persephone and Pluto)
- Philomelus (hardworking demi-god associated with ploughing and agriculture)
- Eubuleus (Depicted as a good counselor)
Temples: The Temple of Demeter on Naxos Island is considered the most significant shrine to this god, built in the 6th century BC.
Significance: She is associated as the motherly goddess of the harvest and also presides over sacred laws. Unlike the other goddesses she had various relationships with the gods ranging from Iasion, Zeus, and Poseidon. However her favorite child was Persephone who would later become the goddess of vegetation and springtime. Demeter is the prominent figure (along with her daughter Persephone) of the ancient Greek celebratory tradition known as the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Athena
Known as: "Goddess of Wisdom"God of: Wisdom, Warfare
Symbol: Owl, olive tree, armor, helmets, spears
Parents: Zeus
Temples: Greek's greatest city of Athens was named after the goddess of Wisdom. The greatest monument in all of Greece is the Parthenon which was dedicated to her. Also there is the Temple of Athena Nike which sits on top the Acropolis of Athens, besides the great Parthenon. The Acropolis was completed by 420 BC, as a monument to Athena, the patron of victory. The monument still stands to this day as one of the most historical sites in all of Greece.
Significance: The story of Athena is quite a unique and fascinating ones as she is depicted as one of the first great female warriors in ancient folklore. She was the daughter of Zeus, who burst from his head in full body armor. She was as skilled in wits as she was in warfare hence the title, Goddess of Wisdom. In Homer's Iliad, her feud with Hera and Aphrodite is what brought upon the Trojan War. In many of the ancient Greek tales, she provides counsel to the great heroes such as Herakles, Jason, Perseus, Bellerophon, and Odysseus. She did not have a spouse, lover, nor any children which is why she is often considered as the full time protector of Greece.
Apollo
Known as: "God of the Sun"
God of: Light, the sun, prophecy, philosophy, archery, medicine, healing
Symbol: Arrow, Sun, lyre, swan, mouse
Spouse: Many lovers
Parents: Zeus and Leto
Offspring:
- Asclepius (Hero and god of medicine)
- Aristeaus (Hero, founder of bee-keeping)
- Korybantes (Armoured male dancers who worshiped the Phrygian goddess Cybele)
- Hymenaeus (God of marriage, ceremonies, and feasts)
- Ialemus (Mournful character who wrote the song of lamentation)
- Apollonis (One of the three daughters of Apollo worshiped at the Delphi Oracle)
- Borysthenis (One of the three daughters of Apollo worshiped at the Delphi Oracle)
- Cephisso (One of the three daughters of Apollo worshiped at the Delphi Oracle)
- Agreus (Hunter son of Apollo)
- Amphiaraus (King of Argo)
- Amphissus (Founded the city of Amphissa, and built a temple to his father)
- Amphithemis (Son of Apollo and Acalle)
- Anius (King of Dalos and priest of Apollo)
- Apis (Seer and healer)
- Chariclo (Nymph, wife of Chiron the centaur, and nurse to Achilles)
- Coronus (King of Sicyon)
- Cycnus (Son of Apollo and Hyrie)
- Delphus (Founded the city of Delphi)
- Dorus (Founded the Dorian nation)
- Eleuther (Renown for his excellent singing voice)
- Epidaurus (Founded the polis of Epidaurus)
- Eriopis (Renown for her lovely hair)
- Erymanthus (Son of Apollo, saw Aphrodite bathing and was blinded; Apollo responded by killing Aphrodite's spouse Adonis; Apollo took the form of a boar to kill Adonis which became referred to as the Erymanthian Boar)
- Eurydice (Enchanting wife of the famed poet Orpheus who attempted to bring her back to life with his music)
- Hector (The greatest warrior of Troy)
- Iamus (Son of Apollo who learned the art of prophecy and speaking to birds)
- Idmon (An Argonaut seer)
- Linus of Thrace (Leader of lyrical music)
- Lycorus (The city of Lycoreia was named after him, later to become Delphi)
- Melaneus (Founder of Oechalia)
- Melite (Lover of Herakles)
- Oaxes (Founder of the town of Oaxus)
- Oncius (Founder and ruler over Oncae)
- Orpheus (Legendary poet, musician, and prophet)
- Tenes (Legendary hero from the island of Tenedos)
- Troilus (Prince of Troy, murdered by Achilles)
- Phemonoe (Legendary poet and one of the first priestess at Delphi)
- Philammon (An excellent singer and musician)
- Syrus (Son of Apollo and Sinope of which the Syrian nation got it's name from)
- Tenerus (Theban hero and prophet)
Temples: There were many temples to Apollo scattered throughout Greece in the ancient days, with mention dating as far back as the 8th century in Homer's Illiad. One of the more historical ones is located at Delphi, where the ruins still stand to this day.
Significance: His influence throughout Greek mythology rivals that of Zeus when considering the amount of children and temples he has. He was the son of the titan goddess, Leto and the twin brother of Artemis. He is depicted with a unique blend of strength and beauty. He brings light upon the world thru the use of his bow and arrow yet is also renown for his musical talents on the lyre. He is considered the father of the sun and the patron of the wise all-knowing oracle. Thru his masculine beauty he had many lovers and produced many offspring who became kings, queens, heroes, and artists in their own regards. His influence carried over to Roman mythology, and interestingly he is the only major Greek god he kept his same name for the Romans.
Artemis
Known as: "Goddess of the Hunt"
Symbol: Moon, Deer, Bow, Arrows, Dogs
Parents: Zeus and Leto
Temples: Artemis was one of the most worshiped of the Greek deities and had many temples and shrines built to honor her. The most famous of these was the Temple of Artemis located in Ephesus, Turkey which was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed to have first been built in the 8th century BC, however was destroyed by a flood. It's second construction was far more monumental and took place during the classical age. It stood for only a hundred years however when it was burnt in 356 BC by an arsonist seeking fame. The third construction of the temple was initiated by Alexander the Great and was even more impressive than before. This temple stood for nearly 600 BC and was later witnessed by Christians as a house of paganism.
Significance: The goddess Artemis shared a commonality to Athena and Hestia in that they did not have any lovers nor children. She remained a maiden of Greece and served as the people's protector of the wilderness, hunting, the night, and of sickness.
Ares
Known as: "God of War"
God of: War, violence, bloodshed, and masculinity
Symbol: Sword, Shield, helmet, chariot, boar, dog, vulture
Parents: Zeus and Hera
Spouse: Aphrodite and others
Offspring:- Eros (God of love and sex; one of the winged gods known as Erotes)
- Anteros (God of requited love and love returned; one of the winged gods of Erotes)
- Phobos (Personification of fear)
- Deimos (God of terror, twin brother of Phobos)
- Phlegyas (King of Lapiths)
- Harmonia (Goddess of harmony and concord)
- Enyalius (Son of Ares and Enyo, god of soldiers and warriors)
- Thrax (Reputed sons of Ares, and the patron of Thrace)
- Oenomaus (King of Pisa, drinker of wine)
- Amazons (Female warriors whose sole purpose was war)
- Hippolyta (Queen of the amazonian who possessed a magical girdle)
- Penthesilea (Queen of the amazonian, who fought in the Trojan war and was killed by Achilles)
- Adrestia (Goddess of equilibrium, balance between good and evil, revolt, and retribution)
Temples: One of the most notable temples built to Ares was located in the northern part of the Agora of Athens. The ruins of the temple date it's construction back to the 5th century during the golden age of Greece.
Significance: He is the utmost embodiment of war, neither good nor evil, rather a sheer representation of the violent chaos that comes with it. His lust for blood and violence often makes him the front-runner of Greek masculinity and therefore he is the perfect opposite to his sister Aphrodite, the very feminine goddess of love. Their love affair is the stuff of total romance yet also total scandal at the hands of Aphrodite's righteous husband, Hephaestus. Ares played an influential role in the Iliad when his father Zeus tells him he is the most hated of all the gods. He later aids the Trojans in the war yet is defeated by his sister Athena who aids the Greeks. Ares' character demonstrates the unique mixture of strength and courage, yet also selfishness and wickedness that comes with war.
Aphrodite
Known as: "Goddess of Love"
God of: Love, beauty, femininity, passion, desire,
Symbol: Dove, bird, flowers, apple, bee, swan
Parents: Zeus and Dione (or Uranus severed genitals)
Spouse: Hephaestus, Ares, Poseidon, Hermes, Dionysus, Adonis, and Anchises
Offspring:
- Eros (God of love and sex; one of the winged gods known as Erotes)
- Anteros (God of requited love and love returned; one of the winged gods of Erotes)
- Phobos (Personification of fear)
- Deimos (God of terror, twin brother of Phobos)
- Harmonia (Goddess of harmony and concord)
- Pothos (Member of the Erotes who embodies yearning and festivities)
- Hermaphorditus (Son of Aphrodite and Hermes who became a winged angel of Erotes)
- Rhodos (The daughter of Apollo and Aphrodite and the wife of Helios)
- Peitho (Daughter of Apollo and Dionysus, goddess of persuasion and seduction)
- The Graces (The three goddesses of charm often associated as daughters of Zeus yet retainers of Aphrodite)
- Priapus (Son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, protector of livestock, gardens, and male genitalia)
- Aeneas (Trojan hero who escaped the burning of Troy to become the first hero of Rome)
Temples: Two of the most notable temples to Aphrodite were located in Urania and Ancient Corinth. The Temple of Aphrodite at Acrocorinth was the more notable of the two built during the golden age of the 5th century BC. It's greatest claim to fame was it's accusations of temple prostitution which was believed to have occurred yet never was confirmed.
Significance: As the goddess of love she is the embodiment of beauty, allure, passion, and femininity. Her birth is often debated as the child of Zeus and the titan goddess Dione, or as a product of the severed genitals of Uranus who was castrated by his son Cronus. Her influence takes center stage in the Iliad, as she is able to win the argument with Hera and Athena, and convince Paris to choose love over power and wisdom. Unlike the other major Greek goddesses who are presented as pure, righteous, and motherly with their virginity intact, Aphrodite represents total passion and has numerous relations. She is first married to Hephaestus, then has a love affair with Ares to the dismay of Hephaestus. Aphrodite and Ares is perhaps the most recognized of Greek love stories, as together they compose perfect symmetry of masculinity and femininity and produce the famous angels of love known as the Erotes. Aphrodite also has love relations with the gods Hermes and Dionysus, and the humans King Anchises, the son of Aeneas. She also had another feud with the goddess Persephone over the very handsome mortal hunter, Adonis. However one day Apollo's son Erymanthus saw Aphrodite bathing nude, and she blinded him, and in response Apollo transformed into a boar and killed Aphrodite's lover Adonis. Aphrodite is the pinnacle of human beauty and has inspired many works of art, paintings, sculptures, and architecture.
Hephaestus
Known as: "Blacksmith of the Gods"
God of: Craftsmanship, Blacksmith, Forgery, Fire
Symbol: Fire, hammer, anvil, donkey, tongs, quail
Parents: Zeus and Hera, or Hera alone
Spouse: Aphrodite, Aglaea
Offspring:
- Thalia (Nymph daughter, who had an affair with Zeus then hid underground to avoid Hera's jealousy. Her children grew from the ground and henceforce Thalia was associated with flourishing plants)
- Eucleia (The daughter of Aglaea and Hephaestus, who became a younger member of the Graces; spirit of glory and good repute)
- Eupheme (Daughter of Aglaea and Hephaestus, who became younger member of the Graces; spirit of good omen, praise, and acclaim)
- Philophrosyne (Daughter of Aglaea and Hephaestus, younger member of Graces; spirit of welcome, friendliness, and kindness)
- Euthenia (Daughter of Aglaea and Hephaestus, younger member of Graces; spirit of prosperity)
- The Cabeiri (Group of mysterious underground deities and craftsmen)
Temples: Many temples were built to glorify the god of building, Hephaestus and he is especially honored in the region of Lemnos. However the most famous monument to Hephaestus is Theseion located in the Agora of Athens. The temple was completed in 415 BC and is one of the few temples from the classical age to still stand mostly intact. No doubt the ingenuity of this edifice is a testament to the god of craftsmanship.
Significance: Hephaestus is the righteous hardworking god of Olympus, not spoiled or deterred like his counterparts. His birth is often debated as a product of Zeus and Hera, or merely as an asexual reproduction from Hera. There are also conflicting accounts that Hephaestus defended his mother from Zeus' advances yet was also cast from Olympus by his own mother due to his deformed feet. Hephaestus is often depicted as the ugliest of the gods and his cripple made him not as majestic as the others. However his true glory came from the work of his hands, as he was no doubt the most skilled of the gods. He was first married to the beautiful Aphrodite, yet she later cheated on him with Ares causing them to separate. He later married one of the Graces, Aglaea and they had several children together. The children of Hephaestus and Algea went on to be charming spirits in their own regards.
Hermes
Known as: "Messenger of the Gods"
God of: Travel, commerce, communications, diplomacy
Symbol: The Caduceus, winged sandals, stork, tortoise
Parents: Zeus and MaiaSpouse: Merope, Aphrodite, Dryope, Peitho, Polymele
Offspring:
- Pan (God of the wild, shepherds, the flock, and pastoral music; he is a satyr)
- Hermaphorditus (Son of Aphrodite and Hermes who became a winged angel of Erotes)
- Abderus (Daughter of Hermes, lover of Herakles)
- Autolycus (Considered one of the greatest thieves in Greek mythology)
- Eudoros (Son of Hermes and Polymele, one of Achilles' commanders)
Temples: Hermes did not have many major temples like the other gods however he did have many statues scattered around ancient Athens and Greece.
Significance: Hermes is considered the messenger of the gods and serves as the administrator of all business and diplomatic dealings. He is often associated as a speedy courier with his winged cap and winged shoes. He is also the patron of travel, roads, merchants, sailors, and athletes. He is often associated with trickery and thievery perhaps due to his quick and sneaky nature. He has also made various missions into the underworld and is sometimes seen as another guide of dead souls.
Hestia
Known as: "Goddess of the Hearth"God of: The hearth, fire, the home, family, domesticity, and the state
Symbol: Fire
Parents: Cronus and Rhea
Temples: She did not have any major significant temple however the ancient court houses of Greece known as the prytaneum were often regarded as the sanctuary of Hestia for she was seen as the goddess of the government.
Significance: She was the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea however is one of the least popular of the Gods of Olympus. Her claim to fame is the goddess of the fireplace and she became a symbol of the sanctity of the household as well as family. Similar to Athena and Artemis she did not have any lovers nor children. She is rather seen as a maiden and protector of Greece.
Dionysus
Known as: "God of Wine"
God of: Wine, Festivities, Ecstasy, Madness, Drama, and Resurrection
Symbol: Thyrsus, grapevine, bull, panther, ivy, goat, chalice
Parents: Zeus and Semele, or Zeus and Persephone
Spouse: Aphrodite, Ariadne
Offspring:
- Priapus (Son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, protector of livestock, gardens, and male genitalia)
- Hymen (Goddess of marriage ceremonies, feasts, and celebratory songs
- Thaos (King of Tauris)
- Staphylus (Son of Dionysus and Ariadne associated with wine-making)
- Oenopion (King of Chios who introduced wine-making to the island)
- Comus (Son and cup-bearer of Dionysus; God of festivity, excess, and sexual lust)
- Phthonus (God of envy and jealousy)
Temples: Dionysus had many cults and following due to his exuberant personae. His character is celebrated in festivals, plays, and art throughout Greece and Rome. Perhaps one of the most significant of these temples was located in Naxos built in the 4th century. All that is left of the temple today is it's ruins.
Significance: Dionysus is one of the most intriguing of the major Greek gods, with many accounts from various sources. It is ultimately accepted that he was a symbol of indulgence and festivity however his origins are often speculated. It is often debated who his parents were, whether Zeus, Persephone, or Semele or even suggested as a wayfaring foreigner who introduced wine to the gods. Various accounts indicate that Dionysus was killed by the titans and he was somehow resurrected by his mother Semele. For this reason he is often associated with the underworld and even Egyptian connections to the god of the afterlife, Osiris. He is celebrated in many festivals and is seen as a god of festivity, theatrical drama, the arts, and just having a good time.
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