12 Greek Gods of Olympus

Greek Mythology is one of the oldest and popular mythology known to mankind. The mythology can be witnessed by the beautiful sculptures across the European countries like Greece and Roam. The Greek mythology is full of stories and Heroes, Gods and Men. Now let’s take look at the 12 Greek Gods of Olympus.

Zeus  

According to ancient Greek Mythology, Zeus is the King of Gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. He is the God of thunder and sky. The name ‘Zeus’ means ‘bright’ in the ancient Greek scriptures. The Thunder God was also known for his romantic affairs with a lot of ladies but was married to the Queen of Gods, ‘Hera’. He was a short-tempered man who easily got provoked. His figure also signifies authority and wisdom. He fought a 10-Year long war against the Titans and defeated them in the battle with the help of other gods.

Hades  

Hades the Greek God of Underworld. The word Hades means “The Unseen One” which suits this god of the invisible realm. As he was the ruler of the dead, which made him a feared character among the masses. His evil image even created fear in the hearts of evil forces. However, he is also infamous for tricking his love interest ‘Persephone’, the daughter of Zeus, to live with him in the Underworld.

Poseidon  

Poseidon is one of the 12 Olympians and is the God of Seas. He is also a short-tempered God and had regular disputes with other Gods and men. The Sea God was feared among men because he was thought to be the provoker of earthquakes and was worshiped as the creator of Horse.

Apollo  

The Olympian is the God of the Sun and light. He is also considered the god of music, poetry, healing, prophecy and knowledge, order and beauty, archery and agriculture. He was the son of Zeus and was born to his mother ‘Leto’. Being a skilled archer, Apollo was usually seen with a silver bow. According to Greek Mythology, every single day he used to move the sun across the sky with the help of his four-horse chariot, providing light and life to the earth.

Aphrodite  

Aphrodite was the Goddess of Love and Beauty. The Olympian Goddess is also believed to be the goddess of sexual pleasure, and fertility. It was believed by many gods that her beauty was such that their rivals could spark a war against The Gods over her. This was the reason that Zeus married her to Hephaestus.

Hera    

Hera was the Queen of Gods and wife of Zeus. The Olympian goddess was considered as the Goddess of Marriage. Hera was also associated with being the goddess of women, family welfare and was worshiped for the safety of women during childbirth. But ironically this Goddess of Marriage had a failed marriage herself. She was unhappy in her marriage because Zeus has multiple romantic relations outside his marriage. This made her full of vengeance, anger and jealousy. She is often portrayed with a peacock alongside her, it’s one of her sacred animals.

Athena  

The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War. She was also associated with handicrafts. The Goddess was known for her wisdom and acted as a consultant and helping hand to the gods whenever needed. The Greek heroes came to her for help and advice. According to Greek Mythology she had no mother and was born from the forehead of Zeus.

Ares  

He was the God of War. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera. Despite being the son of the King and Queen of Gods, Ares wasn’t liked by masses and wasn’t even worshiped because of his acts. The War God loved wars and never thought about the ill effects of it. His love for Aphrodite was also a reason for his downfall. He was madly in love with the ultimate beauty ‘Aphrodite’ who was married to Hephaestus.

Hephaestus 

The God of Fire ‘Hephaestus’ has an interesting story. He was the God of Fire but is known more for his craftwork. The story goes that once he fell to earth and became a craftsman, eventually was retained back to heaven. After being retained he made several things for the Gods and Goddesses. He also created some majestic armours and shields for the gods. The most famous of them being the one donned by Achilles in the Battle of Troy. This led to him also being referred to as the God of Blacksmiths. 

Hermes   

Hermes was the messenger of the gods. He was believed to be the only Olympian who was able to cross the borders between the dead and living. He used to play cunning tricks even on gods. This is the reason he is also addressed as the God of Cunningness.

Demeter

Demeter is the Olympian Goddess of Agriculture and Harvest. Demeter is usually portrayed as a conservatively dressed older married woman who is usually seating or proudly standing with an extended hand. Sometimes she is also depicted riding a chariot which also has her daughter ‘Persephone’ with her.

Dionysus

He was Olympian God of Wine and vegetation. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele. Once he was ripped into pieces by the Titans but Rhea brought him back to life. After this event Zeus arranged for his protection and gave him mount ‘Nympus’.

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