Greek Mythology can be studied through a compilation of stories/narratives put together by Ancient Greeks. These stories focus on the adventures of Greek gods, goddesses and heroes.

These gods and goddesses have similar weaknesses to humans and are capable of great vindictiveness, revenge, and favoritism, as are humans.

These myths are known to offer answers to questions regarding human nature. They also clarify abstract ideas and explain religious matters in a more rational manner.

Greek Mythology has provided great influence to the Western culture. Poets and artists dating back to ancient times have gained inspiration from these myths and have consistently found significance in their themes.

Brief profiles of the 12 main Olympian Gods follow.
Zeus: God of the sky and ruler of the Olympian Gods. His weapon is a thunderbolt. He is married to Hara, but is famous for his extramarital affairs. Zeus is represented as the God of justice & mercy, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked.





Poseidon: Brother of Zeus. God of the Sea, protector of all waters. His weapon is a trident, which can shake the Earth and shatter any object.






Hades: Brother of Zeus. Lord of the Underworld, ruling over the dead. God of wealth, Hades possesses a helmet that makes him invisible. Although, he rarely leaves the Underworld.





Hestia: Sister to Zeus. Virgin goddess of Hearth. Does not have a distinct personality and plays no part in myths. Of all the Olympians, she is the mildest, most upright and most charitable.








Hera: Sister and wife to Zeus. Hera is the goddess of marriage and child birth. Her sacred animals are the cow and peacock. She is famous for jealous revenge for Zeus's infidelities.




Aris: Son of Zeus and Hera. Aris is the God of War, but ironically is considered a coward. His bird is the vulture, his animal the dog.











Athena: Virgin goddess of reason, intelligent activity, arts & literature. She has no mother because she sprang full grown in armor from Zeus's forehead. Goddess of the city, handicrafts, and agriculture. She is also Zeus's favorite child.







Apollo: Son of Zeus. God of music, Apollo plays a golden lyre. Known as "The Archer" because of his silver bow, he is also god of light, and god of truth, as he cannot speak a lie.



Aphrodite: Goddess of love, desire and beauty. She possesses a magical girdle that compels anyone she wishes to desire her. Her birth is a mystery, as she could be the daughter of Zeus or the daughter of Uranus.



Hermes: Son and messenger of Zeus. Fastest of gods, he wears winged sandals, hat and carries a magic wand. God of thieves and commerce. Hermes guides the dead to the Underworld.









Artemis: Daughter of Zeus, Artemis is known as the goddess of chastity, virginity, the hunt, the moon, and the natural environment. She is also the protector of the young.




Hephaestus: Son of Zeus. Only God to be physically ugly. God of fire and and the forge. He uses a volcano as his forge and is also the patron god of both smiths and weavers. He is kind and peace loving.


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