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According to Greek mythology, twelve immortal deities lived high atop Mount Olympus.
These most important of the gods were called the Olympians.
Zeus, the most powerful of all gods, ruled the heavens. Often depicted with his thunderbolt, Zeus controlled
weather and thunderstorms. The Greek myths tell tales of Zeus' powerful libido, and he is the father of many
gods and heroes.
Hera
was Zeus' wife - and sister. As mother god, Hera was the protector of women and the family. Every year,
Hera renewed her virginity by bathing in a spring. Hera was fierce in her jealousy over Zeus' antics.
Ares, son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of war.
This suited him well as he had a fierce temper and was known
for his violence.
Hephaestus
, son of Zeus and Hera, and brother of Ares, was worshiped for his skills as a craftsman. At the request
of Zeus, Hephaestus made woman to punish man. The first woman was Pandora, who was made from clay and
water.
Demeter
the goddess of the harvest, ruled earth and fertility. She gives her name to the greek word for cereals, demetriaka.
The English word 'cereal' derives from her Roman counterpart, Ceres. Demeter was the mother of Persephone, who
was carried off by Hades to become queen of the Underworld.
Aphrodite
, goddess of love, was born from the sea. Aphrodite was mother to Eros, whose Roman counterpart is
Cupid. Aphrodite had a magic girdle which made men fall in love with her. Tired of her promiscuous
ways, Zeus married her off to Hephaestus - who was not known for his fine features.
Hestia
, goddess of the hearth, symbolized security, happiness and hospitality. In contrast to promiscuous Aphrodite,
Hestia swore to remain a virgin forever.
Athena
, the goddess of wisdom, was the guardian of the Athenians. Daughter of Zeus, she sprang from his head in
full armour and carrying a spear. Although a mighty warrier, Athena preferred to settle disputes with her wisdom
and skill.
Poseidon
, brother of Zeus, was god of the sea and is usually depicted with his symbol of power, the trident.
His frequent temper tantrums resulted in rough seas and floods. He could also cause earthquakes and volcanoes.
Apollo
and Artemis were the twins of Zeus and Leto. Apollo, god of the sun, was also the god of healing, plague, and
music. He was also known for his very good looks.
Artemis
, goddess of the moon, was also the goddess of childbirth. She asked Zeus to grant her eternal virginity.
Hermes
was the son of Maia and Zeus. As history developed, so did Herme's resonsibilities as a god. Originally
ruling the animal kingdom, Hermes later controlled trade and commerce. Hermes was known to be shrewd
and persuasive.
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