Ancient myths from Greek mythology served several functions including explaining natural phenomena, expressing beliefs about morality, and entertaining audiences. Myths often featured gods and goddesses with human traits and human heroes with supernatural abilities. The document provides a brief overview of 12 major Greek gods and goddesses including Zeus, Hera, Athena, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Artemis, Apollo, Hermes, Hephaestus, Ares, and Aphrodite along with their domains, Roman names, and symbols.

1. Greek Mythology
12 Greek Gods and Goddesses

2. Literary Analysis: Myth
Since time began, people have tried to
understand the world around them. Ancient
peoples created myths—stories that explain
natural occurrences and express morals, or
lessons to teach their beliefs about right and
wrong.
Every culture has its own collection of myths, or
mythology. In many of these myths, gods and
goddesses have human traits, while human
heroes possess superhuman traits. Myths
explore universal themes and explain the world in
human terms.Copyright © 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

3. Functions of Myths
1.Explain natural occurrences, or phenomena
2.Express beliefs about right and wrong or other
universal themes
3.Show Gods and Goddesses with human traits
4.Show human heroes with superhuman traits or
how they ask for help from a higher power
5.Entertain
6.Reveal where we get certain vocabulary words

4. Zeus
Roman name: Jupiter
Domain: God of sky; ruler
of gods
Symbols: Lightning bolt,
eagle

5. Hera
Roman Name: Juno
Goddess of
Marriage/Queen of gods
Symbols: Peacock, cow

6. Athene or Athena
Minerva
Goddess of Wisdom
and War
Owl, helmet

7. Poseidon
Neptune
God of sea
Horse, dolphin,
trident

8. Hades
•Roman name:
Pluto
•God of
Underworld,
Wealth
•Symbols:
Cerebus,
cypress tree

9. Demeter
• Roman
Name:
Ceres
• Goddess of
agriculture
• Symbols:
Wheat,
poppy

10. ARTEMIS: GODDESS OF THE
MOON AND THE HUNT
ROMAN NAME: DIANA
GODDESS OF MOON
AND HUNT
SYMBOLS: MOON,
STAG,

11. APOLLO
ROMAN NAME:
APOLLO
GOD OF SUN,
MUSIC, TRUTH
SYMBOLS: SUN,
LYRE

12. Hermes
Roman Name: Mercury
Messenger god/god of
thieves and liars
Symbols: Winged sandals,
winged helmet, and wand

13. Hephaestus: Smith God
• Roman Name: Vulcan
• Smith god; god of fire
• Symbols: anvil,
hammer, fire

14. Ares
Roman Name: Mars
God of war
Symbols: dog,
weapons

15. Aphrodite
Roman Name:
Venus
Goddess of love
and beauty
Symbols: Dove,
swan