In these series, I will explain some of the Greek Mythology that I learned in school. In this particular article, I will tell you about the main gods and goddesses that lived in Mt. Olympus
Aphrodite
Roman Name: Venus
God of Beauty and Love
Description: She was born from the foam of the sea, so she had no parents. She was responsible for the beginning of the Trojan War during the judgment of Paris.
Apollo and Artemis (twins)
Roman Names: Apollo and Diana
Apollo: prophecy and oracles, music, and archery.
Description: Known as a handsome god; created the lyre.
Artemis: Goddess of Hunting
Description: Known for turning the hunter Aktaion into a stag when he accidentally saw her bathing; her hounds then killed him. Artemis tricked the Aloadia giants into killing each other when they attempted to attack Mt. Olympus.
Both together were known to bring about disease; Apollo attacking boys and men and Artemis attacking girls and women.
Athena
Roman Name: Minerva
Goddess of wisdom, war and weaving
Description: Known for being born from her father's head, Zeus; her contest against Poseidon and created the first olive tree; and the weaving contest with Arakhne when she turned her into a spider for insulting her father.
Dionysus
Roman Name: Bacchus
God of wine, vegetables, and festivities
Description: Born from the thigh of Zeus; forced Theseus to abandon Araidne on an island to wed her; and went on a journey to the underworld to find his mother or wife.
Hera
Roman Name: Juno
Queen of Gods; goddess of women and marriage
Description: Married Zeus after being disguised as a peacock; helping the Argonauts in Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece; helped the Greeks in the Trojan War.
Hermes
Roman Name: Mercury
God of travel, trade, thieves, and astronomy
Description: Known for stealing Apollo's cattle as a baby; slaying Argos; being Zeus' personal assistant.
Poseidon
Roman Name: Neptune
God of water, seas, oceans, earthquakes, and horses
Description: Fought beside Zeus and Hades in the war against the Titans, received his rule over water in the division of the cosmos amongst the sons of Kronos
Zeus
Roman Name: Jupiter
King of Gods, God of thunder and lightening
Description: Known for being raised in a cave after being threatened to be eaten by his father; his defeat against Typhoeus, the hundred headed monster; his many affairs with other mortal women; and controlling the events of the Trojan war.
