The Twelve Olympians

In the ancient Greek world, the Twelve great gods and goddesses of the Greeks were referred to
as the Olympian Gods, or the Twelve Olympians. The name of this powerful group of gods
comes from Mount Olympus, where the council of 12 met to discuss matters.

All 12 Olympians had a home on Mount Olympus and that was where they were most commonly
found. HADES, the god of the Underworld, preferred to live there, and POSEIDON often chose
to stay in his palace under the sea. Most of the other Olympians would be on Mount Olympus
year round unless they were travelling.

HESTIA used to be one of the Olympians, but the constant fighting and bickering between the
gods annoyed her and she eventually gave up her seat to the god of wine, DIONYSUS. Even
though she left the council, Hestia still kept a home on Mount Olympus.

APHRODITE was on the council but, in most Greek mythological stories, her
husband HEPHAESTUS was not. At the famous Parthenon temple in Greece, there is a statue
of each of the 12 Olympian gods. Hades does not have a statue, but Hephaestus does.

The question of who the 12 Olympians are really depends on who is telling the story. Nobody is
truly sure if Hades of Hephaestus can be classed as the Twelfth Olympian. So, because of the
way Greek myths were told and retold in different ways, there are actually 14 gods and
goddesses who can be considered as an Olympian god. Below is a list of all of the gods who
have been considered an Olympian in one story or another.

OLYMPIAN GODS AND GODDESSES

APHRODITE
Aphrodite was the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. During the Trojan War, Aphrodite
fought on the side of Paris. Aphrodite and her son Eros (Cupid) teamed up to cause Zeus to fall
in love with a human named Europa.

APOLLO
Apollo was the son of Leto and Zeus. He was born on the island of Delos. He and his twin sister
Artemis, also an Olympian, shared an aptitude for archery. The nine Muses were companions of
his; they were goddesses known for inspiring art and music.

ARES
He was the son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom hated him (according to Homer). Eros (more
commonly known as Cupid) was the child of Ares and Aphrodite. Ares was most notably
referred to as the God of War; he represented the unpleasant aspects of battle.
ARTEMIS
Artemis was daughter of Zeus and Leto and twin sister of Apollo. She was primarily a virgin
huntress, goddess of wildlife and patroness of hunters. She was an important goddess in the lives
of women, especially when it came to marriage and young creatures.

ATHENA
Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin
goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where
the Parthenon served as her temple.

DEMETER
Demeter was the daughter of Cronos and Rhea. She was the goddess of harvest and fertility.
Only women attended the Thesmophoria, a fertility festival held in honor of Demeter.
DIONYSUS
Dionysus was primarily known as the God of the Vine. Upon reaching adulthood, Dionysus
wandered the Earth, teaching men the culture of the vine. Dionysus was the last god to enter
Olympus.

HADES
He was also called the God of Wealth or “the rich one” because he possessed the precious metals
of the earth. Hades had a cap or helmet that made its wearer invisible. His wife was Persephone,
Demeter’s only daughter, whom he kidnapped and made his queen.

HEPHAESTUS
Hephaestus was the only ugly god among perfectly beautiful immortals. He was the workman of
the immortals: he made their dwellings, furnishings, and weapons. Hephaestus was known as the
God of Fire.

HERA
Hera was Queen of the Olympian gods. In the story of the Quest of the Golden Fleece, Hera was
a gracious protector of the heroes. Hera had few, if any, redeeming qualities. She never forgot an
injury.

HERMES
Hermes was considered a “trickster” due to his cunning and clever personality. He primarily
served as the herald or messenger of the gods. Hermes was born in a cave on a mountain in
Arcadia; he was conceived and born within the course of one day.
HESTIA
Although Hestia appeared in a few stories, she was not overly significant in Greek mythology.
She was a sibling to Demeter, Hades, Poseidon, Hera, and Zeus. Hestia is completely omitted
from the works of Homer, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

POSEIDON
Poseidon was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans. He wielded the trident or three-
pronged spear, and this image of him is reflected in art. Poseidon was most notably the God of
the sea and the protector of all waters.

ZEUS
Zeus was the father of the famous Greek hero Hercules.
The name Zeus means "bright" or "sky." His weapon of
choice was the thunderbolt, made for him by the Cyclops.

The Greeks didn't have a "Top Ten" list of deities - but they did have the "Top Twelve" - those lucky
Greek gods and goddesses living on top of Mount Olympus.
Aphrodite - Goddess of love, romance, and beauty. Her son was Eros, god of Love (though he is not an
Olympian.)

Apollo - Beautiful god of the sun, light, medicine, and music.

Ares - Dark god of war who loves Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.

Artemis - Independent goddess of the hunt, the forest, wildlife, childbirth, and the moon. Sister to
Apollo.

Athena - Daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. She presides over the Parthenon and
her namesake city, Athens. Sometimes spelled "Athene".

Demeter - Goddess of agriculture and mother of Persephone (again, her offspring is not considered to
be an Olympian.)

Hephaestus - Lame god of fire and the forge. Sometimes spelled Hephaistos. The Hephaestion near the
Acropolis is the most beautifully preserved ancient temple in Greece. Mated to Aphrodite.

Hera - Wife of Zeus, protector of marriage, familiar with magic.

Hermes - The speedy messenger of the gods, god of business and wisdom. The Romans called him
Mercury.

Hestia - Calm goddess of home and homelife, symbolized by the hearth which holds the continually-
burning flame.

Poseidon - God of the sea, horses, and of earthquakes.

Zeus - Supreme lord of gods, god of the sky, symbolized by the thunderbolt.

Hey - Where's Hades?

Hades, although he was an important god and the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, was not generally
considered to be one of the twelve Olympians since he dwelled in the underworld. Similarly, Demeter's
daughter Persephone is also omitted from the list of the Olympians, though she dwells there for one-
half or one-third of the year, depending on which mythological interpretation is preferred.

The Six Olympians?

While we generally think today of the "12 Olympians", there was a smaller core group of just six who
were the children of Cronus and Rhea - Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. In that group,
Hades is always included.

Who Else Lived at Olympus?

While the twelve Olympians were all divine, there were some other long-term visitors to Mount
Olympus. One of these was Ganymede, the Cup-bearer to the gods, and a special favorite of Zeus. In this
role, Ganymede replaced the goddess Hebe, who is not usually considered an Olympian and who
belongs to the next generation of divinities. The hero and demi-god Hercules, was allowed to live at
Olympus after his death, and married Hebe, goddess of youth and health, a daughter of the goddess
Hera with whom he reconciled.

Renaissance of the Olympians

In the past, most American high school students took Greek as part of the standard curriculum, but
those days are long gone - which is unfortunate, because that was a natural introduction to the glories
of Greece and Greek mythology. But popular media seems to be stepping into the gap with book and
movie series which have reignited interest in Greece and the Greek pantheon.

All of the Greek gods and goddesses are getting more attention because of many recent movies with
Greek mythology themes: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and the remake of the
Ray Harryhausen classic, Clash of the Titans, the sequel Wrath of the Titans, and the Immortals Movie,
to name only a few.

The Olympian Gods and Goddesses

In Greek mythology, twelve gods and goddesses ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount
Olympus. These Olympians had come to power after their leader, Zeus, overthrew his
father, Kronos, leader of the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one another. The Romans
adopted most of these Greek gods and goddesses, but with new names.

Zeus (Roman name: Jupiter)

The most powerful of all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of Olympus. His temper affected
the weather, and he threw thunderbolts when he was unhappy. He was married to Hera but had
many other lovers. His symbols include the oak and the thunderbolt.
See also: The Reign of Thunder and Lightning: Olympus Under Zeus.

Hera (Roman name: Juno)

Hera was goddess of marriage and the queen of Olympus. She was Zeus's wife and sister; many
myths tell of how she sought revenge when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers. Her symbols
include the peacock and the cow.
See also: A Heavenly Marriage? Hera and Zeus.
Poseidon (Roman name: Neptune)
Poseidon was god of the sea. He was the most powerful god except for
his brother, Zeus. He lived in a beautiful palace under the sea and
caused earthquakes when he was in a temper. His symbols include the
horse and the trident (a three-pronged pitchfork).
See also: The Brothers of Zeus: Poseidon and Hades.

Hades (Roman name: Pluto)

Artemis
Hades was king of the dead. He lived in the underworld, the heavily
guarded land where he ruled over the dead. He was the brother of Zeus
and the husband of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, whom he kidnapped.
See also: The Brothers of Zeus: Poseidon and Hades.

Aphrodite (Roman name: Venus)

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of sailors. She may have been
the daughter of Zeus and the Titan Dione, or she may have risen from the sea on a shell. Her
symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove.
See also: Aphrodite.

Apollo
Apollo was the god of music and healing. He was also an archer, and hunted with a silver bow.
Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and the twin of Artemis. His symbols include the
laurel tree, the crow, and the dolphin.
See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo.

Ares (Roman name: Mars)

Ares was the god of war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera,
but neither of his parents liked him. His symbols include the vulture and the dog, and he often
carried a bloody spear.
See also: Hephaestus and Ares.

Artemis (Roman name: Diana)

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in childbirth. She hunted with
silver arrows and loved all wild animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the
twin of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer.
See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo.

Athena (Roman name: Minerva)

Athena was the goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art of war, and helped heroes
such as Odysseus and Hercules. Athena sprang full-grown from the forehead of Zeus, and
became his favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree.

See also: First in War, First in Peace: Athena.

Hephaestus (Roman name: Vulcan)

Hephaestus was the god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which metal
is heated). Although he made armor and weapons for the gods, he
loved peace. He was the son of Zeus and Hera and married Aphrodite.
His symbols include the anvil and the forge.
See also: Hephaestus and Ares.

Hestia (Roman name: Vesta)

Hermes Hestia was the goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of the
home). She was the most gentle of the gods, and does not play a role in
many myths. Hestia was the sister of Zeus and the oldest of the Olympians. Fire is among her
symbols.
See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera.

Hermes (Roman name: Mercury)

Hermes was the messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to thieves. He was said to have invented
boxing and gymnastics. He was the son of Zeus and the constellation Maia. The speediest of all,
he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried a magic wand.
See also: The Little Rascal: Hermes.

…also sometimes included:

Demeter (Roman name: Ceres)

Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. The word “cereal” comes from her Roman name. She
was the sister of Zeus. Her daughter, Persephone, was forced to live with Hades each winter; at
this time Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat.
See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera.

Dionysus (Roman name: Bacchus)

Dionysus was the god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece Dionysus was honored with
springtime festivals that centered on theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, a mortal.
His symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.