1. Greek Mythology
The Olympians

2. Zeus Brother of Poseidon and Hades Supreme ruler of the gods
Lord of the Sky, the Rain God
Thunderbolt is both weapon and symbol
Husband to Hera, but notoriously unfaithful
Father of many deities and heroes

3. Poseidon His share of the world was the sea Worshipped by sailors
Created the horse to impress Demeter
Weapon is the trident, able to shake earth and shatter objects
Very quarrelsome
Very greedy, always attempted to take cities away from other gods

4. Hades Lord of the Underworld Very greedy and is the God of Wealth
Helmet makes him invisible
Has little sympathy and abducted his wife, Persephone
King of the Dead, but actual god of Death is Thanatos

5. Hestia Zeus’ sister Goddess of the Hearth
Newborns are presented to her
Each city had a public hearth never allowed to go out

6. Hera Zeus’ wife and sister Protector of marriage
She often plotted against Zeus and often outwitted him
She has extreme jealousy over Zeus’ numerous affairs
Sacred animals are the cow and peacock
Her city is Argos

7. Ares God of War Son of Zeus and Hera Hated by both parents
Violent, but actually a coward
Vulture is animal associated with him

8. Athena Goddess of Wisdom and War Born of Zeus only
Inventor-bridle, chariot, plow, rake, yoke, etc.
Zeus’ favorite child allowed to use his thunderbolt
Patroness of Athens
Symbols are the owl and olive tree
Virgin goddess, no offspring

9. Apollo God of the Sun Son of Zeus and Leto Brother to Artemis
Also god of music, healing and truth
Daily job is to drive the Sun across the sky
Symbols are the laurel, crow and dolphin

10. Aphrodite Goddess of Love, Beauty and Desire
Magic girdle can bring any man to her
Two myths of her birth, Zeus’ daughter or born of the sea
Wife of the god, Hephaestus and mother to Cupid
Symbols are the myrtle, dove and swan

11. Hermes Messenger of the Gods Son of Zeus and Maia
Fastest god, patron god of thieves
Magic wand
Guides dead to underworld
Inventor of lyre, pipes, music scale, boxing and gymnastics

12. Artemis Goddess of the Hunt Twin sister of Apollo
Virgin goddess of chastity
Associated with the Moon
Goddess of childbirth, ironically
Symbols are the cypress and the deer

13. Hephaestus God of Fire Son of Zeus and Hera Ugly and lame
Smith and armorer to the gods
A volcano is his forge
Patron god of smiths and weavers
Kind and peace loving, married to Aphrodite