Greek Gods and
Goddesses
Relationship to
Zeus
Symbol
Description
Thunderbolt, royal
scepter, and eagle
Zeus is believed to be the king of gods. He was the ruler of Mount Olympus and was also
known as the god of sky, weather, thunder, fate, law and order. He is always depicted as
a mature man, who has a regal and sturdy figure. The weather depended on his temper
and according to some of the stories, if he got angry he would strike with his thunderbolt.
Dolphin, Rose,
Scallop Shell, Myrtle,
Dove, Sparrow,
Girdle, Mirror, and
Swan
Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, sexuality, seduction and pleasure. She was
the wife of Hephaestus and had many lovers including Ares. She was a very beautiful
goddess that caused jealousy and many wars among gods.
Lyre, laurel wreath,
python, raven, bow
and arrows
Apollo was the god of music, healing, plague, prophecies, poetry and archery. He was the
son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis. He was said to be the most
handsome of all Greek gods.
Bronze tipped spear,
helmet, dog, chariot,
vulture, venomous
snake
Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera. The Greek mythology depict him as the god of war.
He was both cruel and coward and not liked much by both of his parents.
Artemis
Bow, arrows, stags,
hunting dog, and
moon
Artemis was the Virgin goddess of the hunt, protector of women in childbirth and wild
animals. She was the twin sister of Apollo and is said to have asked for 6 wishes from
Zeus.
Athena
Owl, Olive tree,
Snake, Aegis, Armor,
Helmet, Spear
Athenia too was a Virgin goddess of wisdom, civilization, strength, strategy, warfare,
crafts, justice and skill. She was the daughter of Zeus and Metis. She was born from the
head of Zeus, fully formed and armored. She is said to be the favorite child of Zeus.
Hades
Cerberus, Cap of
invisibility, or Helm of Hades was the king of the underworld and god of the dead. He is said to have hidden the
Darkness, Cypress,
wealth of the Earth. He is therefore also known as Plouton, that means rich one. He is the
Narcissus and Key of oldest son of Cronus and Rhea and helped Zeus and Poseidon defeat the Titans.
Hades
Zeus
Aphrodite
Apollo
Ares
Hammer, Anvil and
Tongs
Hepaestus, the god of fire and forge, was a lover of peace. He was the son of Zeus and
Hera and husband of Aphrodite. He is said to be the god of blacksmiths, craftsmen,
sculptors, metals, etc.
Hera
Diadem, lotus-staff,
peacock, cuckoo and
pomegranate.
Legends says Hera was the queen of heaven and wife of king of the gods, Zeus. She was
said to be the goddess of marriage, women, heirs, kings and empires. She was the
daughter of Cronus and Rhea, making her the sister-wife of Zeus. She is often depicted as
a very beautiful women who wore a crown and held a lotus tipped staff. She was very
jealous of the many lovers of Zeus. There are many legends about her revenge on the
women who she thought are her husbands lovers.
Hermes
Caduceus, talaria,
tortoise, lyre, rooster
Hermes was the messenger god who was a trickster and friend of the thieves. He was
said to be a master of cunning wiles, writing, diplomacy and athletics. He was the son of
Zeus and Maia who led the souls of the dead into the realms of Hades.
Hephaestus
Greek Gods and
Goddesses
Relationship to
Zeus
Symbol
Description
Hestia
Hearth, kettle,
cauldron, torch,
candle,sacred eternal
flames, broom,
crane, pig, donkey
Hestia is the virgin goddess of hearth, architecture, home and cooking. She is the
daughter of Cronus and Rhea and sister to Zeus. She was said to be the most gentle of all
gods and goddess. She is figured in very few myths and said to have had the least of all
adventures among the gods.
Poseidon
Trident, dolphins and
horses
Poseidon was the god of the sea, rivers, floods, droughts, earthquakes and horses. He
was the brother of Zeus and Hades. He is often depicted as a mature man with a dark
beard with a trident in his hand. He lived under the sea in a very beautiful palace. He was
known for his tempers that shook the earth (earthquakes).