Greek Mythology

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Greek Mythology

• .Oh to be among the gods!

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Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends
belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their
gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the
origins and significance of their own cult and
ritual practices. They were a part of religion in
ancient Greece. Modern scholars refer to, and
study the myths in an attempt to throw light on
the religious and political institutions of
Ancient Greece, its civilization, and to gain
understanding of the nature of myth-making
itself.
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Zeus
Zeus is the king of all the gods. He divided up
the world with his brothers, Hades and Poseidon.
Zeus becomes ruler of the sky and earth. Zeus has
many children all of whom have powers. However,
Zeus has more powers than anyone else.
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Hades
Hades is the lord of the dead in the Underworld.
Hes so scary that people would not even say his
name. Guests in the underworld are greeted by his
three-headed dog. His brother, Zeus tricked the
beautiful Persephone into marrying Hades. Her
mother, Demeter, goddess of agriculture, makes a
deal with Hades so Persephone only has to stay
with Hades for part of the year causing winter
weather.
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Poseidon
Poseidon was god of the sea and brother to Zeus
and Hades. In Homers famous Odyssey he punishes
Odysseus because Odysseus blinded his son the
Cyclops. He is able to cause storms with the use
of his trident, 3 pronged spear. Earthquakes are
believed to be caused by his wrath as well.
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Hephaestus
Hephaestus is the god of metalworking and is
married to the unfaithful Aphrodite. He forges
all the weapons for the gods. He works beneath
the Earths surface. His smashing of steel into
molten lava creates earthquakes and volcanoes
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Athena
Athena is the firstborn and favorite child of
Zeus. She is known as the goddess of wisdom.
According to the myth, she busts out of his head
fully grown and dressed for battle. She often
uses her intelligence to rescue Greek heroes. She
is the protectress of the city, Athens and has
the Parthenon built for her as a temple.
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Apollo
Apollo is god of the sun and twin to Artemis. His
daily task is to drive the sun across the sky.
During the Trojan War he helps the Trojans and
helps kill legendary Greek warrior, Achilles.
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Ares
Ares is known as the god of war, not for his
skill but because he liked all the violence. His
parents were Zeus and Hera. He is father to the
twins, Remus and Romulus. Romulus will eventually
become the 1st king of Rome.
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Artemis
Artemis is the goddess of the moon and hunting.
Artemis, being a female, would seek revenge if
she felt someone wronged her.
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Hera
Hera was married to Zeus and is therefore queen
of the gods. Most of her time is spent causing
trouble for all of her husbands girlfriends and
their children. She is most famous for trying to
destroy Hercules. Her sacred animal is the
peacock.
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Aphrodite
Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty. She
plays a part in starting the Trojan War. In order
to win a beauty contest she bribes Paris with the
most beautiful woman in the human world, Helen.
When she runs away with Paris the Greeks go after
her and thus begins the war.