Olympian Greek Gods and Goddesses

Appollo was the son of Leto and Zeus. He wa born on the island of Delos. He and his twin-sister Artemis, also an Olympian, shared an aptitude for archery. The 'nine Muses' were companions of his; they were goddesses known for inspiring art and music.

Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom hated him (according to Homer). More known as Cupid was the child of Ares and Aphrodite. Ares was most notably referred to as The God of War...
representing the unpleasant aspects of battle

Dionysus was primarily known as the God of the Vine. Upon reaching adulthood, Dionysus wandered the Earth, teaching men the culture of the vine. Dionysus was the last god to enter Olympus.

Phades was also called the God of Wealth or 'the rich one' because he possessed the precious metals on the earth. Hades had a cap or helmet that made its wearer invisible. His wife was Persephone, Demeter's only daughter, whom he kidnapped and made his queen.

Hephaestus was the only ugly god among the perfectly beautiful immortals. He was the workman of the immortals; he made their dwellings, furnishings and weapons. Hephaestus was known as TheGod of Fire.

Hermes was considered a'trickster' due to his cunning and clever personality. He primarily served as the herald or mssenger of the gods. Hermes was born in a cave on a mountain in Acadia; he was was conceived and born within the course of one day

Poseidon was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans. He wielded the trident or three-pronged spear, and this image of him is reflected in art ~ Poseidon was most notably The God of the Sea ...and the'protector of all waters.

Zeus was the father of the famous Greek hero, Hercules. The name Zeus means 'bright or sky.'
His weapon of choice was the thunderbolt, made for him by Cyclops.

Olympian Greek Goddesses

Aphrodite was the goddess of fertility, love and beauty. During the Trojan War, Aphrodite fought on the side of Paris. Aphrodite and her son, Eros (Cupid) teamed up to cause Zeus to fall in love with a human called Eiropa.

Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto...and twin sister of Apollo. She was primarily a virgin huntress...goddess of wildlife..and patroness of hunters. She was an important goddess in the lives of women...especially when it came to marriage and young creatures.

Athena: was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of the three goddesses; 'the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.

Demeter was the daughter of Cronos and Rhea. She was the goddess of harvest and fertility. Only women attended the Thesmophoria, a fertility festival held in honour of Demeter.

Hera was Queen of the Olympian gods. I:n the story of the Quest of the Golden Fleece, Hera was a gracious protector of the heroes. Hera had few, if any redeeming qualities. She never forgot an injury.

Hestia: Although Hestia appeared in a few stories, she was not overly significant in Greek mythology. She was a sibling to Demeter, Hades, Poseidon,Hera and Zeus. Hestia is completely omitted from the works of Homer, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Tyche was the Greek goddess of chance, fate and fortune. She represented not only the positive aspects of these characteristics, but also the negative ones.l The ancient Greeks thought she was the reason for unexpected events in their lives: good and evil. For example, if someone had much success in life .....

Most Popular God or Goddess in Greek Mythology:

Athena, Dionysus. Poseidon, Hera, Artemis...

Aphrodite,Apollo, Hepaestus, Hades, Nyx...
Ares, Hermes, Zeus. Demeter,Hestia...

Iris, Nike, Gaea, Kratos and Pan.

The foregoing were celebrities with designated obligations to fulfill.
Equating to our 20^th century,
our parameters are bound by the sporting world..the movie genre...

race-car drivers...musicians...and the fashion industry (to name a few)!

The foregoing, assembled by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 5, 2020
Opinions and comments most welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca.