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Greek Gods

The Olympians are a group of 12 Gods who ruled after the overthrow of the Titans. All the Olympians are related in some way. They are named after their dwelling place, Mount Olympus. The Olympian Gods are: Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Hera, Ares, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Hermes, Artemis, Hephaestus. Roll your mouse over the pictures to view more info on the Greek Gods.

Zeus was the chief god of mythology and was perhaps best known as a sky god. He controlled the sky, winds, clouds, rain, thunder, and lightning. Being that Zeus was chief god, he presided over many other aspects than the sky. He was also known as a god of battle, games, agriculture, and the state. Aphrodite was known as the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She represented the values of sacred love and marriage as well as female sensuality and desire. Apollo was known as the god of poetry, music, archery, prophecy, justice, law, order and the art of healing. He also happened to be associated with the care of different herds and crops. Ironically his main function is known as that of a sun-god. Hades was the Greek god of the underworld. After his brother Zeus defeated his father Cronus, the three brothers drew lots to see who would rule what parts of the universe. A very popular story of Hades involves his love of the goddess Persephone. He popped out of the earth in his chariot and carried her off down into the underworld.

Artemis was the virginal goddess of hunting, childbirth, chastity, and even sudden death. She is also associated with the moon on some occasions. Artemis always carried a special bow and arrow set that was created by the god Hephaestus. She was a very two-sided deity; on one hand she could be very kind and aid women in childbirth, and on the other hand she could be cruel and benevolent. Hephaestus was known as the god of craftsmen, smiths, and fire. Even though he was lame, Hephaestus was excellent at what he did and was also known as the patron of smiths. His smoky, flaming workshop was located under Mount Etna. Hermes was the winged messenger of the gods. He was the god of flocks, road, trading, thieves, and was also associated with fertility. He was the inventor of the lyre and was also the guide of souls into Hades.

Poseidon was the god of the sea and of earthquakes. However, it is sometimes noted that he was a god of fertility and herdsmen in ancient times. During his reign he lived with is wife and children in an underwater cave in Eubol. Athena was a very important Olympian. She is regarded as many things; among them as the goddess of war, peace, and compassion. She was also the patron of the arts, crafts, spinning, weaving, and patron of Athens. Hestia was the goddess of the hearth and fire. She was an extremely pure and peace-loving goddess that kept free from all disputes and delicate situations. Hestia was considered to represent personal security and happiness.