The document describes the 12 Olympian gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who reside on Mount Olympus. Each deity, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and others, has distinct characteristics, powers, and stories, highlighting their roles and relationships within the pantheon. Key figures such as Zeus and Hera represent authority and jealousy, while other gods like Athena and Ares embody wisdom and war respectively.

1. The Olympians
The Major Gods and Goddesses of
Greek Mythology

2. MOUNT OLYMPUS
Home of the Gods
Mount Olympus is the
mythical home of the Greek
gods
The 12 Olympians (the major
gods & goddess) resided in
Zeus’ palace on the peak of
Mt. Olympus.

3. ZEUS
• Supreme Ruler of the Gods
• Led brothers & sister
(Posiedon, Hades, and Hera)
in a revolt against parents
(Titans: Cronus & Rhea)
• He is lord of the sky; his
weapon is the mighty
thunderbolt
• He falls in love
frequently and has many
children

4. HERA
Zeus’ sister and his wife
Protector of marriage and
Queen of Olympus
Mother of: Ares, Hephaestus,
and Hebe
Very jealous of Zeus’ other
lovers, and punishes them by
putting curses on their
children
Known for her fiery temper

5. POSEIDON
Ruler of the Seas and Oceans
Second most powerful, after
Zeus
Weapon is the trident
Greedy, fickle, argumentative,
could cause calm waters or a
violent storm

6. HADES
Lord of the Underworld
Ruler of the Dead
Keeps to himself, cold and
calculating
Kinapped Persephone
(brother Zeus’ daughter) to
have as his wife & goddess
of the Underworld

7. DEMETER
Goddess of Agriculture
Her moods affect the seasons
She lives on Earth, not on
Mount Olympus
In the fall & winter seasons,
she mourns her daughter
Persephone

8. PERSEPHONE
Goddess of Spring
Daughter of Zeus & Demeter
She was Kidnapped
by Hades
Later Made the
Queen of the Underworld
Spends Half the Year
in Hades, Half on Earth

9. HESTIA
Goddess of the Hearth &
Home
She never plays a part in any
Greek myth.
However, Greeks honored
Hestia with their dinnertime
prayers, asking her to bless
their food and protect their
homes.

10. ARES
God of War
Cruelest of all the Olympians
Hated by all, even his mother
& father: Zeus & Hera
Ruthless when winning, but a
coward when losing

11. ATHENA
Goddess of Battle & Wisdom
While adopted by Hera,
she is the daughter
of Zeus only
(sprang from his head)
The city of Athens is named after
Athena
Created: chariot, horse bridle,
trumpet, flute, rake, plough, and
ship

12. HEPHAESTUS
God of Fire and the Forge
He is the only “ugly” god
Son of Hera & Zeus
Husband of Aphrodite
Great at metal-working,
created armor for gods &
heroes

13. APHRODITE
Goddess of Love and Beauty
She sprang from the white
beauty of sea foam
The most beautiful goddess
Wife of Hephaestus
She had many affairs with
gods and mortal men
Aphrodite was pulled through
the sky by a swan-drawn cart

14. HEBE
Goddess of Youth
Cupbearer of the Gods
Daughter of Zeus & Hera
Only job was to hold her
father’s cup
The cup contained the nectar
of the gods

15. APOLLO
Twin Brother of Artemis, son
of Zeus & Leto
Master of music & poetry, the
lyre is his instrument & laurel
is his tree
A wreath of laurels was given
to poetry contests winners
God of Light and Truth
Very popular god among
Greeks: handsome, athletic,
intelligent, and honest
(never told a lie)

16. ARTEMIS
Twin Sister of Apoll, daughter
of Zeus & Leto
Goddess of the Moon
and the Hunt
Lady of the Wild Things,
she is a hunter but demands
mortals pay for killing
defenseless animals
Weapon: silver arrows

17. HERMES
Messenger of the Gods
Gave Apollo the lyre-Apollo
gave Hermes the Caduceus
Zeus gave Hermes his job
and winged cap and sandals
to help him with his duties
Son of Zeus and Maia
Appears the most often
of all the gods due to his job
Mischievous and clever