‘ ‘THE MAIN GODS AND GODDESSES Gods and heroes ‘The Greeks were polytheistic. Each city-state s had a god that gave it special protection. For example, Athena was the patron of Athens. © The gods were immortal, but looked human. Like humans, they loved and fought with each other. ‘The leader of the gods was Zeus, who lived on Mount Olympus, along with other gods and goddesses, vades a a * Heroes were born from the union of a god and a hu (underworld) _ King of gods ¢Famiy) being. Legendary heroes like Achilles and Heracles (Sky and thunder) were extremely powerful, but they were not immorta! Many cities had foundation myths, which explained how they were founded by a great hero. Important families claimed descent from a hero. © Greek myths were colourful stories about all these gods and heroes. They featured fantastic creatures like the Cyclops (one-eyed monsters), and the centaurs (horses with a human head, chest and arms). eae eee Religious cults (gricuture) Home) (sea) ‘As the gods had the same needs as human beings, the Greeks believed that they had to give them food and wealth. The temples were the homes of the gods. and priests and priestesses were their servants. ‘The Greeks also believed that the gods could help or harm \ | human beings. Before beginning any important action it was important to consult the opinion of the gods. Oracles were messages from the gods, and were us \{) interpreted by a priest or priestess. The shrine at Delphi \ ‘was the most important place where the gods were Hephaestus ares ‘athens Apollo consulted. Even rulers used to go there, to find out ire) (wer) quiecom)-—«(Geauty)-~—=« What the gods thought. ; Artemis Hermes Dionysus Aphrodite (Hunting) (Commerce). Wine) (ove) v2