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Greek Mythology
An Introduction
Greek Mythology
a collection of myths and legends that Greeks used to explain their world believed to be true by Greeks
Olympian Gods
Mt. Olympus was the largest mountain in Greece. It was the home of the gods and goddesses. Gods and goddesses were immortal, they could not die. No humans were allowed on top of Mt. Olympus, but the Olympians were allowed on Earth.
goddess of love and beauty goddess of desire wherever she walked flowers sprang up beneath her feet she appeared from the foam of the sea her son is Eros (cupid)
god of light, music and poetry most beautiful god also the god of medicine taught people the art of healing fine marksman could predict the future
god of war Boastful, cruel and had no manners Son of Zeus and Hera Loved to fight, but was a coward once he got hurt Wherever he went there was violence and bloodshed the curse of mortals
goddess of hunting, wild things, unmarried girls and the moon She decided never to marry Once when she was bathing under the moonlight a human was watching her. She threw rain drops on him and changed him into a stag. Then she had him killed by his own dogs.
Zeus favorite goddess of wisdom, strategy, protector of cities and civilizations goddess of handicrafts and art She sprang from her fathers head fully clothed and in armor. Hephaestus, Zeus son, had to release Athena by cutting his head open with an ax.
Demeter means Barley-mother Another name for her is Ceres, from the word cereal Goddess of the cornfield, mistress of planting and harvesting, lady of growing things She had a son and a daughter. Her daughters name was Persephone. Her daughter was kidnapped by Hades. (reasons for the seasons)
god of wine Zeus youngest son His mother, Semele, was a princess and a mortal woman His mother was consumed by fire when she was tricked by Hera He was saved by Hermes. Taught people the art of wine making & the consequences of too much wine
god of fire The only ugly god, but he was peaceful, loving and popular. He walks with a limp because Zeus threw over the palace walls one day when he took his mothers side over Zeus. Made all the Olympians thrones, armor, furniture and weapons Married Aphrodite
wife and sister of Zeus goddess of marriage, protector of childbirth & heroes portrayed as extremely jealous and vindictive
Zeus graceful, happy son by the goddess, Maia God of shepherds, merchants, travelers and thieves Very mischievous and tricky Stole Apollos cows the day he was born Guided the newly dead to the underworld Invented the alphabet, astronomy, scales, playing cards and card games Zeus messenger Wore winged sandals and a winged cap Had a son named Pan. He was half goat.
God of the sea, horses and earthquakes Lives in a palace beneath the ocean Carries a three-pronged trident Gave people the horse Married a sea nymph named Amphitrite Like his brother, he fathered many children. Very fond of his sister Demeter
chief god lord of sky god of thunder & lightening married his sister Hera populated the heavens and the earth promiscuous liaisons