The Gods

Greek religion was polytheistic (had many gods) consisting of hundreds of gods with a god for every area of life that someone may pray for. However, there were 12 main gods, called the Olympians who lived on Mount Olympus.

The gods were anthropromorphic as they were seen in human form and had human characteristics in terms of how they acted, such as their emotions and temper. They were far from perfect beings as they were driven by pride and they could be cruel, jealous, kind, fair, had favourites etc.

though each god was born and had specific stories to their heritage they were eternal, ageless and deathless, and were imagined as frozen at the same age eg Zeus was always depicted as a middle-aged man, Athene was always seen as a young woman etc.

Responsibilities

King of Gods and Men

god of justice

God of weather

Symbols

Throne and sceptre - power

Lightning bolt - weather

Scales - justice

Eagle - power

Beard - wisdom

Responsibilities

God of the Sea

God of Horses

Symbols

Aquatic animals eg fish, dolphins

Trident

Often riding a chariot pulled by dolphins

Bare chested

Responsibilities

God of War

Symbols

Armour- any type of battle gear eg shin guards, arm guards, helmet, shield - ready to fight

Plumed helmet

Responsibilities

God of the sun

God of music and poetry

God of dancing

God of truth

God of healing

In charge of prophecy

Symbols

Lyre or Kithara - music and poetry

Sun or sunlight

Responsibilities

God of fire

God of volcanoes

God of blacksmiths and craftworkers

Symbols

Twisted foot - he was a lame (disabled), god

Leaning on a stick - lame

Tools eg anvil - metalwork and blacksmith

Responsibilities

Messenger God

God of travel

God of business

God of weight and measures

God of sports

Symbols

Winged clothing eg winged sandals, winged helmet, winged staff

Traveller's hat

Herald's staff - winged staff with two snakes wrapped round

Responsibilities

God of Grape Harvest, Winemaking and Wine

God of Festivals, Celebration, Strong emotions and High spirits

God of Drama and Theatre

God of Growth and Fertility

God of Madness, Confusion and Religious ecstasy

Symbols

Vines and grapes, sometimes within a wreath

Pantha and leopard skin

Holding a kantharos (a special wine cup)

Responsibilities

Queen of the Gods (married to Zeus)

Goddess of Marriage

Goddess of Childbirth

Goddess of Women

Symbols

A diadem or polos (royal crowns)

Sceptre

Responsibilities

Goddess of Grain and Harvest

Goddess of Seasons

Goddess of Fertility of the Earth

Goddess of Agriculture

Protector of Land

Symbols

Grain

Sheaves of wheat

A mature woman

Responsibilities

Goddess of the Hearth and Fire

Goddess of Architecture

Goddess of Family

Goddess of the Home

Symbols

Fire and flames

A sacred hearth in every town and city in Greece

Responsibilities

Goddess of Hunting

Goddess of the Moon

Goddess of Virginity and Childbirth

Goddess of Wilderness and Wild animals

Symbols

Bow and arrow

Hunting gear

Wild animals such as a stag or dog

The moon

Responsibilities

Patron of Athens

Goddess of Arts and Weaving

Goddess of Wisdom

Goddess of War

Symbols

Owl

Full armour, specifically a shield with a gorgon's head

Olive trees and branches

Aegis - a goat skin cloak fringed with snakes

Responsibilities

Goddess of love

Goddess of Beauty

Goddess of Eternal youth

Goddess of Procreation

Symbols

Mirror - beauty

Scallop shell near the sea (she was born from the sea)

Often accompanied by birds such as doves and sparrows

Often shown with Eros, the God of love, and cherubs (young winged babes)