THE GREEK GODS AND GODDESSES

Zeus (Jupiter)• God of the Heavens, King of the Gods• Symbols: Thunderbolt, Eagle • Relations: Married to Hera, had many children

Hera (Juno)• Goddess of marriage and childbirth, Queen of the Gods • Symbols: Peacock, Pomegranate • Relations: Married to Zeus (also his sister), had many

children, but not as many as Zeus

Hades (Pluto)• God of the Underworld and Death• Has a beast named Cerberus, a three-headed dog• Is in love with Persephone • Relations: Brother to Zeus and Poseidon

Poseidon (Neptune)• God of the Sea • Symbols: Trident, rides horses and dolphins• Relations: Brother to Zeus and Hades

Ares (Mars)• God of War, Violence, and Civil Order• Symbols: Bronze-tipped spear, Golden Armor, Vulture• Relations: Hera’s son

Apollo (Apollo)• God of Music, Poetry, Archery, and Healing• Symbols: Bow and arrow, Lyre• Relations: Son of Zeus and Leto, Artemis’ twin

Aphrodite (Venus) • Goddess of Love and Beauty • Symbols: Apple, Myrtle Wreath, Scallop Shell, Dove• Relations: Married to Hephaestus, Loves Ares

Eros (Cupid)• God of Love • Symbols: Wings, Bow and Arrow• Relations: Son of Aphrodite and Ares

Athena (Minerva) • Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare • Symbols: Spear and Shield, Owl, Olive Tree • Relations: Zeus’ daughter, sprang fully-formed from his

head wearing armor

Hermes (Mercury)• God of Speed and Travel, Messenger for the gods • He also helps dead souls get to the Underworld• Symbols: Winged sandals, Winged cap• Relations: Son of Zeus and Maia

Dionysus (Bacchus)• God of Celebration and Wine • Symbol: Wine

Demeter (Ceres)• Goddess of the Harvest• Symbols: Wheat, Grains • Relations: Zeus’ sister, mother of Persephone

Hephaestus (Vulcan)• God of Fire and Metal • Symbols: Fire, Axe, Hammer • Relations: Son of Zeus and Hera, married to Aphrodite

Artemis (Diana) • Goddess of the hunt • Symbols: Bow and arrow, Deer • Relations: Zeus’ daughter, Apollo’s twin• Begged her father never to make her marry