Greek Gods

• ZEUS
  He was the father of the famous Greek hero Hercules. The name Zeus means bright or sky. His weapon of choice was the thunderbolt, made for him by the Cyclops. He was the ruler of Olympus, father of all gods.

• HERA
  She was Queen of the Olympian gods. Hera was a gracious protector of the heroes. Hera had few, if any, redeeming qualities. She never forgot an injury. She was also called mother of all gods.

• Apollo
  He was the son of Leto and Zeus. He was born on the island of Delos. He shared an aptitude for archery. The nine Muses were companions of his; they were goddesses known for inspiring art and music.

• Ares
  Was the son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom hated him. Eros was the child of Ares and Aphrodite. Ares was most notably referred to as the God of War, he represented the unpleasant aspects of battle.

• Dionysus
  was primarily known as the God of the Vine. Upon reaching adulthood, Dionysus wandered the Earth, teaching men the culture of the vine. Dionysus was the last god to enter Olympus.

• Hades
  Was also called the God of Wealth or “the rich one” because he possessed the precious metals of the earth. Hades was god of the underworld (tricked by his brother Zeus). His wife was Persephone, Demeter’s only daughter whom he kidnapped and made his queen.

• Hephaestus
  He was the only ugly god among perfectly beautiful immortals. He was the workman of the immortals, he made their dwellings and weapons. Hephaestus was known as the God of Fire. He was the one who forged the bolt of Zeus with the cyclops.

• Poseidon
  He was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans. He wielded the trident and this image of him is reflected in art. Poseidon was most notably the God of the sea and the protector of all waters. He was Brother to Zeus and Hades.

• Hermes
  He was considered a trickster due to his cunning and clever personality. He did serve as the messenger of the gods. Hermes was born in a cave on a mountain in Arcadia.
  He was conceived and born within the course of one day.