Greek mythology is a collection of myths and legends from ancient Greece that were used to explain natural phenomena. The myths featured gods and heroes who interacted with humans. Some of the most important gods in Greek mythology included Zeus, the king of the gods; Hades, ruler of the underworld; Aphrodite, goddess of love; Ares, god of war; Athena, goddess of wisdom; Poseidon, god of the sea; and Heracles, the strongest son of Zeus who protected humans from monsters.