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Mythology: The Olympian Gods

A Libguide for Mrs. Nicholson's 4th grade Mythology Unit.

The Olympian Gods

There are many gods in Greek Mythology.  The Olympian Gods are the twelve who were considered the most important and lived on Mount Olympus.  The gods who are included in this group does change slightly depending on the area and year the myth originated.

Zeus

  • God of the Sky and Lightning
  • King of the Gods
  • Husband of Hera, Brother of Hades and Posiedon
  • Symbols: thunderbolt, eagle, sceptre, bull, oak tree

Hera

  • Goddess of Marriage
  • Queen of the Gods
  • Protector of women
  • Wife of Zeus
  • Symbols: peacock, lotus staff

Aphrodite

  • Goddess of Love and Beauty
  • Wife of Hephaestus, mother of Eros
  • Symbols: rose, scallop shell, dove and sparrow

Hephaestus

  • God of Fire
  • Patron of craftsmen and metal workers
  • Husband of Aphrodite
  • Symbols: hammer, tongs, anvil, donkey, guard dog and crane

Poseidon

  • God of the sea, oceans, tempests, storms and earthquakes.
  • Brother of Zeus and Hades
  • Symbols: trident, horse, dolphin, fish and bull

Ares

  • God of War
  • Symbols: burning torch, vulture, dog and boar

Artemis

  • Goddess of the Hunt and Moon
  • Twin sister of Apollo
  • Symbols: hunting spear, deer, bear and wild boar

Hermes

  • God of Travel, Communication, Trade, Language and Writing
  • Messanger of the Gods
  • Patron of travelers, marketplaces and thieves
  • Symbols: cadeceus, winged sandels, tortoise and ram

Hades

  • God of the Underworld
  • Husband of Persephone, Brother of Zeus and Poseidon
  • Symbols: cornucopia, key, sceptre and Cerberus- the Three Headed Dog

 

Athena

  • Goddess of Wisdom, Defense, Stratigic Warfare and Handicrafts
  • Patron of Heroes
  • Symbols: owl, olive tree, snake, armor, helmets, spears and gorgonelon

Apollo

  • God of Knowledge, Healing, Poetry and Music
  • Twin brother of Artemis
  • Symbols: laurel wreath, lyre, swan, cicada and hawk

Hestia

  • Goddess of Home and Family
  • Symbols: hearth and kettle