The OdysseyMajor Gods and Goddesses

Zeus

PositionSymbolOther NotesKing, God of land, sky, and justiceThunderbolt, Oak Tree, Eagle, ShieldKnown for all of his affairs

Hera

PositionSymbolOther NotesZeuss wifeGoddess of MarriageGolden Crown, Cow, PeacockMoody and Temperamental

Hestia

PositionSymbolOther NotesGoddess of Home and Hearth (fireside)Sacred Fire, HearthAncient Greek women took comfort knowing Hestia watched over them.

Poseidon

PositionSymbolOther NotesGod of the SeasTrident, Horse, BullPlagues Odysseus (puts a curse on him)

Hades

PositionSymbolOther NotesGod of the Underworld and WealthInvisible Helmet, Pitchfork, JewelsTartarus =Underworld; faithful three headed dog called Cerberus

Demeter

PositionSymbolOther NotesGoddess of Grain and HarvestRake, Cornsilk, GrainCeres = Cereal

Aphrodite

PositionSymbolOther NotesGoddess of Beauty and LoveRoses, Dove, Myrtle TreeFoam-Born; only God with unknown parents; was either kind or merciless

Ares

PositionSymbolOther NotesGod of WarSword, Spear, Vulture, DogMore important in Roman Mythology; was vain and self-centered; liked bloodshed

Apollo

PositionSymbolOther NotesGod of the Sun, Music, Poetry, Reason and the HuntGolden Chariot, Lyre, Sun, Silver BowIdeal of Greek Society; twin of Artemis

Artemis

PositionSymbolOther NotesGoddess of the Hunt and the MoonSilver Bow and Arrow; Moontwin of Apollo; opposite temperament of her brothercold and pitiless

Athena

PositionSymbolOther NotesGoddess of Wisdom and Law (Just Wars)Armor (shield), Owl, Olive Branchborn directly out of Zeus brain (no mother); won a contest against Poseidon for Athens

Hephaestus

PositionSymbolOther NotesGod of Fire and Forge (volcano)Anvil, Hammer, ForgeMarried to Aphrodite; only God with a limp (*from Zeus); made the first woman Pandora

Hermes

PositionSymbolOther NotesMessenger of the GodsWinged Sandals and HelmetMercury in Roman Mythology; youngest of Zeus children and his favorite