Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses

List of Greek gods and goddesses of Greek mythology

The Greeks worshipped their Gods devoutly as they strongly believed that the Gods could change their lives for the better. The Gods lived on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. Temples were built, with richly carved statues and majestic grandeur, to honor the Gods and Goddesses.

1. Zeus – God of Sky

Zeus was the King of Gods. Zeus was very powerful and could transform himself to whomever and whatever creature he wished for. He could imitate the voice of anyone he wished. Zeus would hurl lightning when he would get angry. He had married his sister Hera. Zeus had many children as he had many affairs with young women who he would come to visit on Earth. Zeus had originally married Titan Metis but feared their son would be stronger than him; so he had consumed her. Zeus punished those who broke their oaths. Zeus was the only son who was not gobbled up by his father.

2. Hera – Queen of the gods, and goddess of marriage, women, childbirth

Hera was the wife of Zeus. She was feared by all because of her terrible anger and wrath over her husband’s innumerous affairs. It is believed Hera had created the Milky Way. Hera was worshipped by women as she guarded marriage and childbirth. She was the granddaughter of Earth and Sky. She was a very beautiful woman whose chariot, throne and sandals were made of gold. Antigone had once bragged of how she was more beautiful than Hera; Hera had transformed her hair into snakes.

3. Poseidon – God of Sea

Poseidon rules one of the three realms of the universe, as king of the sea and the waters. He was very hot tempered; and would cause earthquakes and flood when he was angry. He would assume the form of a bull during these times. He had made a horse from a rock. His palace, under the sea, was lit at night by thousands of glow worms. He had a golden chariot drawn by two white horses and hooves made from brass.

4. Hades – Ruler of the Underworld.

Hades was the God of Wealth as precious metals like silver, rubies, diamonds and gold are mined from the ground. He could become invisible if he wished. Hades made sure everyone had a proper burial. The Elysian Fields, a pleasant place underground, was a place where those who led a good life on Earth, were allowed to stay.

5. Ares – God of War

The son of Zeus and Hera, Ares was always involved in bloody battles. The month of March is named after him. He possessed every weapon used in war. He was the first God to be taken to trial in a Greek court for charges of murder.

6. Aphrodite – Goddess of love and beauty

It is believed that she was born out of foam. She is depicted by the dove, swan and sparrow.

7. Apollo – God of sunlight, music and dance.

Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis. Myth has it that once Apollo was defeated in a music contest and he was transformed into a mountain stream. He invented the luke, a musical instrument made of strings. He was very handsome and had golden colored hair. He brought good health to his devotees.

8. Artemis – Goddess of the hunt and wilderness

Artemis highly guarded her chastity. She carried a silver bow and arrows. She was also considered as goddess of light, as she carried a torch and guided everyone in darkness.

16 Interesting facts about other Greek gods and goddesses

1. The Olympics were hosted in Greece to honor Zeus.
2. Goddess Hebe could restore beauty to all who lost it.
3. Nike was the Goddess of strength, swiftness and triumph in various sports competitions.
4. Persephone was the Goddess of Spring.
5. God Deimos brought horror, distress and disorder to battlefields.
6. The God Pan was the god of shepherds, and had pointed ears and furry legs of a goat.
7. Hecate was the Goddess and Queen of Ghosts as she spread witchcraft and magic everywhere.
8. Hestia was the most gentlest of Gods and was the Goddess of the Fireplace.
9. Hermes was the trickster and messenger God. He had invented the sport of boxing and gymnastics.
10. Dionysus was the God of Wine. He had taught men on how to make wine from grapes. He would change the pirates into dolphin when they were drowning in the waters.
11. Prometheus would steal from the Gods.
12. At a music contest, one of the contestants had played very badly; and Apollo had changed the contestant’s ears to donkey ears.
13. Cerberus was a dog with three heads and who guarded the entrance to Hades palace.
14. Iris was the Goddess of Rainbow.
15. Hephaestus was the only God who limped. People believe that his father Zeus had got angry and had thrown him off a mountain.
16. Eros was the son of the goddess of love. If he threw an arrow towards someone, the next day the person would fall in love with the first person he/she saw.