Ancient tablets from the Aegean culture give us the first clues about who the Greek gods and goddesses were. Mythology Ancient Greece became for the famous authors of Hellas. It still provides us with rich material for artistic imagination today. Like the powerful Olympian male rulers, the female divine hypostases have a strong character and remarkable intelligence. Let's talk about each one separately in more detail.

Artemis

Not all Greek goddesses can boast such a harmonious interweaving of fragility and grace with a decisive and tough character as Artemis. She was born on the island of Delos from the marriage of the powerful Zeus and the goddess Leto. Artemis' twin brother was the radiant Apollo. The girl became famous as the goddess of hunting and the patroness of everything that grows in forests and fields. The brave girl did not part with a bow and arrows, as well as a sharp spear. She had no equal in the hunt: neither a fast deer, nor a timid doe, nor an angry boar could hide from the dexterous goddess. When the hunt was going on, the forest was filled with laughter and cheerful cries of Artemis's eternal companions - the river nymphs.

Tired, the goddess headed to the sacred Delphi to visit her brother and, to the magnificent sounds of his harp, danced with the muses, and then rested in cool grottoes overgrown with greenery. Artemis was a virgin and religiously guarded her chastity. But she nevertheless, like many Greek goddesses, blessed marriage and childbirth. Symbols: doe, cypress, bear. In Roman mythology, Artemis corresponded to Diana.

Athena

Her birth was accompanied by fantastic events. It all started with the fact that the Thunderer Zeus was informed: he would have two children from the goddess of reason, Metis, one of whom would overthrow the ruler. Zeus couldn’t think of anything better than to lull his wife to sleep with gentle speeches and swallow her while she was sleeping. After some time, the god felt a painful headache and ordered his son Hephaestus to cut off his head, hoping to get deliverance. Hephaestus swung and cut the head of Zeus - and from there came the divine Pallas Athena in a sparkling helmet, with a spear and shield. Her war cry shook Olympus. Until now, Greek mythology has never known a goddess so majestic and sincere.

The mighty warrior became the patroness of fair battles, as well as states, sciences, and crafts. Many heroes of Greece won thanks to the advice of Athena. Young girls especially revered her because she taught them the art of needlework. The symbols of Pallas Athena are an olive branch and a wise owl. In Latin mythology she is called Minerva.

Atropos

One of the three sisters - goddesses of fate. Clotho spins the thread human life, Lachesis closely monitors the course of destinies, and Atropos mercilessly cuts the threads of human destiny when he considers the life of a particular earthling to be over. Her name translates as “inevitable.” In ancient Roman mythology, in which Greek goddesses have Latin counterparts, she is called Morta.

Aphrodite

She was the daughter of the god Uranus, patron of heaven. It is well known that Aphrodite was born from snow-white sea foam near the island of Cythera, and the wind carried her to an island called Cyprus. There the young girl was surrounded by the goddesses of the seasons (oras), crowned her with a wreath of wild flowers, and covered her with gold-woven robes. This gentle and sensual beauty is the Greek goddess of beauty. Where her light foot stepped, flowers instantly blossomed.

The Ori brought the goddess to Olympus, where she evoked quiet sighs of admiration. Jealous wife Zeus Hera hastened to arrange the marriage of Aphrodite with the ugliest god of Olympus - Hephaestus. The goddesses of fate (Moiras) gave the beauty only one divine ability - to create love around herself. While her lame husband was diligently forging iron, she delighted in inspiring love in people and gods, fell in love herself and patronized all lovers. Therefore, Aphrodite, according to tradition, is also the Greek goddess of love.

An indispensable attribute of Aphrodite was her belt, which endowed the owner with the power to inspire love, seduce and attract. Eros is the son of Aphrodite, to whom she gave her instructions. Symbols of Aphrodite are dolphins, doves, roses. In Rome she was called Venus.

Hebe

She was the daughter of Hera and Zeus, the sister of the bloodthirsty god of war Ares. By tradition, she is considered the goddess of youth. In Rome they call her Juventa. The adjective “juvenile” is often used today to define everything related to youth and adolescence. On Olympus, Hebe was the main cupbearer until the son of the Trojan king Ganymede took her place. In sculptural and pictorial images, the girl is often depicted with a golden cup filled with nectar. The goddess Hebe personifies the youthful prosperity of countries and states. According to myths, she was given in marriage to Hercules. They became the parents of Alexiaris and Aniket, considered patrons of youth and sports. sacred tree Hebes - cypress. If a slave entered the temple of this goddess, he was immediately granted freedom.

Gemera

The goddess of daylight, in contrast to Hecate, the patroness of cancer and nightmare visions, as well as sorcerers, the clever Hemera was the eternal companion of the sun god Helios. According to one mythical version, she kidnapped Cephalus and gave birth to Phaeton, who crashed on the sun chariot, unable to control it. In Roman legends, Hemera is equal to Diez.

Gaia

The goddess Gaia is the progenitor of all living things. According to legends, she was born from Chaos and ordered all the elements. That is why she patronizes the earth, the sky, and the seas, and is considered the mother of the titans. It was Gaia who persuaded her sons to rebel against Uranus, the progenitor of heaven. And then, when they were defeated, she “pitted” her new giant sons against the Olympian gods. Gaia is the mother of the terrible hundred-headed monster Typhon. She asked him to take revenge on the gods for the death of the giants. Gaia was the heroine of Greek hymns and songs. She is the first soothsayer at Delphi. In Rome she corresponds to the goddess Tellus.

Hera

A companion of Zeus, famous for her jealousy and spending a lot of time on eliminating and neutralizing her rivals. Daughter of the titans Rhea and Kronos, swallowed by her father and rescued from his womb thanks to Zeus defeating Kronos. Hera occupies a special place on Olympus, where the Greek goddesses shine in glory, whose names are associated with the duties of patronizing all spheres of human life. Hera is the patron of marriage. Like her royal husband, she could command thunder and lightning. At her word, a downpour could fall on the earth or the sun could shine. Hera's first assistant was the Greek goddess of the rainbow - Iris.

Hestia

She was also the daughter of Kronos and Rhea. Hestia, the goddess of the family hearth and sacrificial fire, was not vain. By right of birth, she occupied one of the twelve main places on Olympus, but she was supplanted by the god of wine Dionysus. Hestia did not defend her rights, but quietly stepped aside. She did not like wars, hunting, or love affairs. The most beautiful gods Apollo and Poseidon sought her hand, but she chose to remain unmarried. People honored this goddess and made sacrifices to her before the start of each sacred ceremony. In Rome she was called Vesta.

Demeter

The goddess of good fertility, who experienced personal tragedy when the underground god Hades fell in love and kidnapped Demeter's daughter Persephone. While the mother was looking for her daughter, life stood still, the leaves withered and flew away, the grass and flowers dried up, the fields and vineyards died and became empty. Seeing all this, Zeus ordered Hades to release Persephone to earth. He could not disobey his powerful brother, but asked to spend at least a third of the year with his wife in the underworld. Demeter rejoiced at the return of her daughter - gardens began to bloom everywhere and the fields began to sprout. But every time Persephone left the earth, the goddess again fell into sadness - and a fierce winter began. In Roman mythology, Demeter corresponds to the goddess Ceres.

Iris

Greek goddess of the rainbow, already mentioned. According to the ideas of the ancients, the rainbow was nothing more than a bridge connecting the earth with the sky. Iris was traditionally depicted as a golden-winged girl, and in her hands she held a bowl of rainwater. The main duty of this goddess was to spread the news. She did this with lightning speed. According to legend, she was the wife of the wind god Zephyr. The iris flower is named after the Iris, striking in its play of color shades. The name also comes from her name chemical element iridium, the compounds of which also differ in a variety of color tones.

Nikta

This is the Greek goddess of the night. She was born from Chaos and was the mother of Aether, Hemera and the Moira, goddesses of fate. Nikta also gave birth to Charon, the carrier of the souls of the dead to the kingdom of Hades, and the goddess of revenge Nemesis. In general, Nikta is connected with everything that stands on the verge of life and death and contains the mystery of existence.

Mnemosyne

Daughter of Gaia and Uranus, goddess personifying memory. From Zeus, who seduced her by reincarnating as a shepherd, she gave birth to nine muses who were responsible for childbirth and the arts. A spring was named in her honor, giving memory despite the spring of oblivion, for which Leta is responsible. It is believed that Mnemosyne has the gift of omniscience.

Themis

Goddess of law and justice. She was born to Uranus and Gaia, was the second wife of Zeus and conveyed his commands to the gods and people. Themis is depicted blindfolded, with a sword and scales in her hands, personifying an impartial fair trial and retribution for crimes. It symbolizes legal organizations and norms to this day. In Rome, Themis was called Justice. Like other Greek goddesses, she had the gift of bringing order to the world of things and nature.

Eos

Sister of Helios, the sun god, and Selene, the moon goddess, Eos is the patroness of the dawn. Every morning she rises from the ocean and flies on her chariot across the sky, causing the sun to wake up and scattering handfuls of diamond dew drops on the ground. Poets call her “beautiful-haired, pink-fingered, golden-throned,” emphasizing in every possible way the splendor of the goddess. According to myths, Eos was ardent and amorous. The scarlet color of the dawn is sometimes explained by the fact that she is ashamed of a stormy night.

Here are the main goddesses sung by the singers and myth-makers of Ancient Hellas. We talked only about the blessed goddesses who give creativity. There are other characters whose names are associated with destruction and sorrow, but they are a special topic.

During Antiquity, mythology had a huge influence on people, closely fitting into everyday life and religious customs. The main religion of this period was pagan polytheism, which was based on a large pantheon of gods. The gods of ancient Greece had a special meaning and each played their role. IN different regions there was a cult of one or another god, which was largely determined by the peculiarities of life and way of life. This article provides a list and description of the gods.

The gods were humanized, endowed with anthropomorphic behavior. Ancient Greek mythology had a clear hierarchy - the Titans, Titanides and the younger generation of gods stood out, giving rise to the Olympians. The Olympian gods are the supreme celestial beings who lived on Mount Olympus. They were the ones who had the greatest influence on the ancient Greeks.

The ancient Greek gods of the first generation - ancient entities that gave rise to all living and nonliving things, are considered the creators of the world. They entered into a relationship, thanks to which other gods were born, who also belong to the first generation, as well as the titans. The ancestors of all ancient greek gods there were Skotos (Mist) and Chaos. It was these two entities that gave rise to the entire primary pantheon of Ancient Greece.

The primary pantheon of gods of ancient Greece:

  • Nyukta (Nikta);
  • Erebus (Darkness);
  • Eros (Love);
  • Gaia (Earth);
  • Tartarus (Abyss);
  • Uranus (Sky).

Almost no descriptions of each of these deities have survived, since the Olympians later became key to the mythology of Ancient Greece.

Gods, unlike people, were allowed to enter into family relationships, so children were often the fruits of incest.

The deities of the second generation are the titans, thanks to whom the Olympian gods were born. These are 6 sisters and 6 brothers who actively married each other and fought for power. The most revered titans are Kronos and Rhea.

Olympian gods of Greece

These are the children and descendants of the children of Kronos and his wife Rhea. The Titan Kronos was originally considered the god of agriculture, and later of time. He had a harsh disposition and a thirst for power, for which he was overthrown, castrated and sent to Tartarus. His reign was replaced by the Olympian gods, led by Zeus. The lives and relationships of the Olympians are detailed in ancient Greek legends and myths, and they were worshiped, respected, and given gifts. There are 12 main gods.

Zeus

The youngest son of Rhea and Kronos, considered the father and patron of people and gods, personified good and evil. He opposed his father, overthrowing him into Tartarus. After this, power on earth was divided between him and his brothers - Poseidon and Hades. He is the patron of lightning and thunder. His attributes were a shield and an axe, and later an eagle began to be depicted next to him. They loved Zeus, but they were also afraid of his punishment, so they offered valuable gifts.

People imagined Zeus as a strong and robust middle-aged man. He had noble features, thick hair and a beard. In myths, Zeus was portrayed as a character in love stories who deceived earthly women, as a result of which he gave rise to many demigods.

Hades

The eldest son of Kronos and Rhea, after the overthrow of the rule of the Titans, became the god of the underworld of the dead. He was personified by people as a man over 40 years old who rode a golden chariot drawn by golden horses. He is credited with terrifying surroundings, such as Cerberus, a dog with three heads. They believed that he owned the untold riches of the underworld, so they feared and respected him, sometimes more than Zeus. Married to Persephone, whom he kidnapped, thereby causing the wrath of Zeus and the inconsolable grief of Demeter.

Among people they were afraid to say his name out loud, replacing it with various epithets. One of the few gods whose cult was practically not widespread. During the rituals, black-skinned cattle, most often bulls, were sacrificed to him.

Poseidon

The middle son of Kronos and Rhea, after defeating the Titans, took possession of water element. According to myths, he lives in a majestic palace in the underwater depths, along with his wife Amphitrite and son Triton. Moves across the sea on a chariot drawn by seahorses. Wields a trident that has enormous power. Its impacts led to the formation of springs and underwater springs. In ancient drawings he is depicted as a powerful man with blue eyes, like the color of the sea.

The Greeks believed that he had a difficult temper and a hot temper, which contrasted with the calmness of Zeus. The cult of Poseidon was widespread in many coastal cities of Ancient Greece, where they brought him rich gifts, including girls.

Hera

One of the most revered goddesses of Ancient Greece. She was the patroness of marriage and marriage. She had a tough character, jealousy and great love to power. She is the wife and sister of her brother Zeus.

In myths, Hera is portrayed as a power-hungry woman who sends disasters and curses on Zeus's many lovers and their children, which leads to grins and funny antics on the part of her husband. She bathes annually in the Kanaf spring, after which she becomes a virgin again.

In Greece, the cult of Hera was widespread, she was the protector of women, they worshiped her and brought gifts to help during childbirth. One of the first deities to whom a sanctuary was built.

Demeter

Second daughter of Kronos and Rhea, sister of Hera. The goddess of fertility and patroness of agriculture, therefore enjoyed great respect among the Greeks. There were large cults throughout the country; it was believed that it was impossible to get a harvest without bringing a gift to Demeter. It was she who taught people to cultivate the land. She appeared to be a young woman of beautiful appearance with curls the color of ripe wheat. The most famous myth is about the abduction of her daughter by Hades.

Descendants and children of Zeus

In the mythology of Ancient Greece great importance have born sons Zeus. These are gods of the second order, each of whom was the patron of one or another human activity. According to legends, they often came into contact with earthly inhabitants, where they weaved intrigues and built relationships. Key ones:

Apollo

People called him “radiant” or “shining.” He appeared to be a golden-haired young man, endowed with extraterrestrial beauty of appearance. He was a patron of the arts, a patron of new settlements and a healer. Widely revered by the Greeks, large cults and shrines were found at Delos and Delphi. He is the patron and mentor of muses.

Ares (Ares)

The god of bloody and brutal war, which is why he was often opposed to Athena. The Greeks imagined him as a mighty warrior with a sword in his hand. In later sources, he is depicted next to a griffin and two companions - Eris and Enio, who sowed discord and anger among people. In myths he is described as the lover of Aphrodite, in whose relationship many deities and demigods were born.

Artemis

Patron of hunting and female chastity. It was believed that bringing gifts to Artemis would bring happiness in marriage and make childbirth easier. She was often depicted next to a deer and a bear. The most famous temple was located in Ephesus, and later she was the patroness of the Amazons.

Athena (Pallas)

Highly revered goddess in Ancient Greece. She was the patroness of organized war, wisdom and strategy. Later it became a symbol of knowledge and crafts. She was depicted by the ancient Greeks as a tall and well-proportioned woman, with a spear in her hand. Temples to Athena were erected everywhere, and the cult of veneration was widespread.

Aphrodite

The ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love, later considered the patron of fertility and life. She had a huge influence on the entire pantheon; she had both people and gods in her power (except for Athens, Artemis and Hestia). She was the wife of Hephaestus, but she is credited with love affairs with Ares and Dionysus. Depicted with flowers of roses, myrtle or poppy, apple. Her retinue included doves, sparrows and dolphins, and her companions were Eros and numerous nymphs. The largest cult was located in the city of Paphos, located on the territory of modern Cyprus.

Hermes

An extremely controversial god of the ancient Greek pantheon. He patronized trade, eloquence and dexterity. He was depicted with a winged staff, around which two snakes were entwined. According to legends, he was able to use it to reconcile, wake up and put people to sleep. Hermes is often depicted wearing sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, as well as carrying a lamb on his shoulder. Often he not only helped earthly inhabitants, but also weaved intrigues, bringing citizens together.

Hephaestus

The blacksmith god, who is the patron of blacksmithing and construction. It was he who made the attributes of most of the gods, and also made lightning for Zeus. According to legends, Hera gave birth to him without the participation of her husband, from her thigh in revenge for the birth of Athena. He was often depicted as a broad-shouldered and ugly-looking man, lame on both legs. He was the legal husband of Aphrodite.

Dionysus

The youngest Olympian god, widely loved by the ancient Greeks. He is the patron saint of winemaking, vegetation, fun and madness. His mother is the earthly woman Semele, who was killed by Hera. Zeus personally carried the child from the age of 6 months, giving birth to him from the thigh. According to myths, this son of Zeus invented wine and beer. Dionysus was revered not only by the Greeks, but also by the Arabs. Often depicted with a staff with a hop pommel and a bunch of grapes in his hand. The main retinue is satyrs.

The ancient Greek pantheon is represented by several dozen major gods, deities, mythical creatures, monsters and demigods. The legends and myths of Antiquity have many interpretations, since different sources were used in the description. The ancient Greeks loved and respected all gods, worshiped them, brought gifts and turned to them for blessings and curses. Ancient Greek mythology was described in detail by Homer, who described all the major events and the appearance of the gods.

As is known, they were pagans, i.e. They believed in several gods. There were a great many of the latter. However, there were only twelve main and most revered ones. They were part of the Greek pantheon and lived on the sacred So, what are the Olympian gods of Ancient Greece? This is the question being considered today. All the gods of Ancient Greece obeyed only Zeus.

He is the god of the sky, lightning and thunder. People are also considered. He can see the future. Zeus maintains the balance of good and evil. He is given the power to punish and forgive. He strikes guilty people with lightning, and overthrows the gods from Olympus. In Roman mythology it corresponds to Jupiter.

However, on Olympus near Zeus there is also a throne for his wife. And Hera takes it.

She is the patroness of marriage and mothers during childbirth, the protector of women. On Olympus she is the wife of Zeus. In Roman mythology, her counterpart is Juno.

He is the god of cruel, treacherous and bloody war. He is delighted only by the spectacle of a hot battle. On Olympus, Zeus tolerates him only because he is the son of the Thunderer. Its analogue in the mythology of Ancient Rome is Mars.

Ares will not have long to go on rampage if Pallas Athena appears on the battlefield.

She is the goddess of wise and just war, knowledge and art. It is believed that she came into being from the head of Zeus. Her prototype in the myths of Rome is Minerva.

Has the moon risen in the sky? This means, according to the ancient Greeks, the goddess Artemis went for a walk.

Artemis

She is the patroness of the Moon, hunting, fertility and female chastity. Her name is associated with one of the seven wonders of the world - the temple in Ephesus, which was burned by the ambitious Herostratus. She is also the sister of the god Apollo. Its analogue in Ancient Rome- Diana.

Apollo

He is the god of sunlight, marksmanship, as well as a healer and leader of the muses. He is the twin brother of Artemis. Their mother was the Titanide Leto. His prototype in Roman mythology is Phoebus.

Love is a wonderful feeling. And, as the inhabitants of Hellas believed, she is patronized by the equally beautiful goddess Aphrodite

Aphrodite

She is the goddess of beauty, love, marriage, spring, fertility and life. According to legend, it appeared from a shell or sea foam. Many gods of Ancient Greece wanted to marry her, but she chose the ugliest of them - the lame Hephaestus. In Roman mythology, she was associated with the goddess Venus.

Hephaestus

Is considered a jack of all trades. He was born with an ugly appearance, and his mother Hera, not wanting to have such a child, threw her son from Olympus. He didn't crash, but since then he's been limping badly. His counterpart in Roman mythology is Vulcan.

Going big celebration, people rejoice, wine flows like a river. The Greeks believe that it is Dionysus who is having fun on Olympus.

Dionysus

Is and fun. Was carried and born... by Zeus. This is true, the Thunderer was both his father and mother. It so happened that Zeus’s beloved, Semele, at the instigation of Hera, asked him to appear in all his power. As soon as he did this, Semele immediately burned in the flames. Zeus barely managed to snatch their premature son from her and sew him into his thigh. When Dionysus, born of Zeus, grew up, his father made him cupbearer of Olympus. In Roman mythology his name is Bacchus.

Where do the souls of dead people go? To the kingdom of Hades, that’s how the ancient Greeks would have answered.

This is the ruler of the underground kingdom of the dead. He is the brother of Zeus.

Is the sea rough? This means that Poseidon is angry about something - this is what the inhabitants of Hellas thought.

Poseidon

This is the oceans, the lord of the waters. He is also the brother of Zeus.

Conclusion

That's all the main gods of Ancient Greece. But you can learn about them not only from myths. Over the centuries, artists have formed a consensus about Ancient Greece (pictures presented above).

The names of Greek gods and goddesses are still heard today - we know the myths and legends about them, we can use them to convey the image. Often in modern literary works mention some motifs known since the times of ancient Greece. Let's consider brief information about Greek gods and goddesses, the mythology of this country.

Greek gods

There are many Greek gods and goddesses, but we will focus on those whose names are to some extent familiar to a wide circle of people today:

  • Hades - the famous ruler world of the dead, which in myths is often called the kingdom of Hades;
  • Apollo is the god of light and the sun, a most beautiful young man who is still mentioned as a model of male attractiveness;
  • Ares is an aggressive god of war;
  • Bacchus or Dionysus - the eternally young god of wine (who, by the way, was sometimes depicted as an obese man);
  • Zeus is the supreme deity, ruler over people and other gods.
  • Pluto is the god of the underworld, who owned countless underground riches (while Hades ruled over the souls of the dead).
  • Poseidon is the god of the entire sea element, who could easily control earthquakes and storms;
  • Thanatos – god of death;
  • Aeolus - lord of the winds;
  • Eros is the god of love, the force that contributed to the emergence of an ordered world from chaos.

Typically, Greek gods and goddesses were symbolically depicted as beautiful and powerful people living on Olympus. They were not perfect, they were connected by intricate relationships and simple human passions.

Goddesses of ancient Greece

Let's look at the most famous ancient Greek goddesses. There are quite a few of them, and each of them is responsible for something different:

  • Artemis – goddess of nature, patroness of hunting and hunters;
  • Athena is the famous goddess of wisdom and war, patron of science and knowledge;
  • Aphrodite - the goddess of love and beauty, was considered the standard of female perfection;
  • Hebe is the deity of eternal youth, who participated in the feasts of the Olympians;
  • Hecate is a slightly lesser-known goddess of dreams, darkness and witchcraft;
  • Hera is the supreme goddess, patroness of marriage;
  • Hestia is the goddess of fire in general and hearth and home in particular;
  • Demeter is the patroness of fertility, helping farmers;
  • Metis is the goddess of wisdom, the mother of Athena herself;
  • Eris is the warlike goddess of disassembly.

This is far from full list all Greek gods and goddesses, but this includes the most famous and recognizable of them.

Greek mythology has always attracted attention with its diversity. The names of Greek gods and goddesses began to appear in many ballads, stories and films. A special role has always been given to the goddesses of Hellas. Each of them had its own charm and zest.

Names of Greek goddesses

This list is quite wide and varied, but there are those goddesses who played a vital role in Greek mythology. One of them was Aurora, whose name was increasingly given to daughters. Daughter of Hyperion and Thea, goddess of the dawn and wife of the Titan Astraeus. The Greek names of goddesses and their images were always carefully thought out and carried a special semantic load. Aurora brought daylight to people and was often depicted as winged. Often she sat on a chariot drawn by horses in red and yellow blankets. A halo or crown was depicted above her head, and in her hands she held a burning torch. Homer described her image especially vividly. Rising early in the morning from her bed, the goddess sailed on her chariot from the depths of the seas, illuminating the entire Universe with bright light.

Famous greek names goddesses also include Artemis, a wild and unrestrained young maiden. She was depicted in a tightly tucked dress, sandals, with a bow and a spear behind her back. A hunter by nature, she led her nymph friends, and was always accompanied by a pack of dogs. She was the daughter of Zeus and Latona.
Artemis was born on the quiet island of Delos in the shade of palm trees along with her brother Apollo. They were very friendly, and Artemis often came to visit her beloved brother to listen to his magnificent playing of the golden cithara. And at dawn the goddess went hunting again.

Athena is a wise woman whose image was the most revered among all the inhabitants of Olympus who glorified Greek names. There are many goddesses-daughters of Zeus, but only she was born in a helmet and armor. She was responsible for victory in the war and was the patroness of knowledge and crafts. She was independent and proud of the fact that she remained a virgin forever. Many believed that she was equal to her father in strength and wisdom. Her birth was quite unusual. After all, when Zeus found out that a child could be born, surpassing him in power, he ate the mother who was carrying his child. After which he was overcome by a strong headache, and he called upon his son Hephaestus to cut off the head. Hephaestus fulfilled his father’s request, and the wise warrior Athena emerged from the split skull.

Speaking about Greek goddesses, one cannot fail to mention the beautiful Aphrodite - the goddess of love, who awakens this bright feeling in the hearts of gods and mortals.
Slender, tall, radiating incredible beauty, pampered and flighty, she has power over everyone. Aphrodite is nothing more than the personification of unfading youth and divine beauty. She has her own maids who comb her golden sparkling hair and dress her in beautiful clothes. Where this goddess passes, flowers instantly bloom and the air is filled with amazing aromas.

The famous Greek names of goddesses are firmly established not only in greek mythology, but also in world history generally. Many name them after their daughters, believing that they will acquire the same qualities that the great goddesses possessed.

Who knows all the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece?? ? (name it!!!)

Free as a wind**

Gods of ancient Greece
Hades - god - ruler of the kingdom of the dead.




Boreas is the god of the north wind, the son of the Titanides Astraeus (starry sky) and Eos (morning dawn), brother of Zephyr and Note. He was depicted as a winged, long-haired, bearded, powerful deity.
Bacchus is one of the names of Dionysus.
Helios (Helium) is the god of the Sun, brother of Selene (goddess of the Moon) and Eos (morning dawn). In late antiquity he was identified with Apollo, the god of sunlight.


Hypnos is the deity of sleep, the son of Nyx (Night). He was depicted as a winged youth.



Zephyr is the god of the west wind.
Iacchus is the god of fertility.
Kronos is a titan, younger son Gaia and Uranus, father of Zeus. He ruled the world of gods and people and was dethroned by Zeus. .






















Aeolus is the lord of the winds.


Ether - sky deity

Laria and Ruslan F

1. Gaia
2. Ocean
3. Uranus
4. Hemera
5. Chronos
6. Eros
7. Cyclops
8. Titans
9. Muses
10. Rhea
11. Demeter
12. Poseidon
13. Summer
14. Pan
15. Hestia
16. Artemis
17. Ares
18. Athena
19. Aphrodite
20. Apollo
21. Hera
22. Hermes
23. Zeus
24. Hecate
25. Hephaestus
26. Dionysus
27. Pluto
28. Antey
29. Ancient Babylonia
30. Persephone

Nikolay Pakhomov

Lists of gods and genealogy differ among different ancient authors. The lists below are compilative.
First generation of gods
At first there was Chaos. Gods who emerged from Chaos - Gaia (Earth), Nikta (Nyukta) (Night), Tartarus (Abyss), Erebus (Darkness), Eros (Love); gods that emerged from Gaia - Uranus (Sky) and Pontus (inner Sea). The gods had the appearance of those natural elements that they embodied.
Children of Gaia (fathers - Uranus, Pontus and Tartarus) - Keto (mistress sea ​​monsters), Nereus (calm sea), Thaumant (sea wonders), Phorcys (guardian of the sea), Eurybia (sea power), titans and titanides. Children of Nyx and Erebus - Hemera (Day), Hypnos (Dream), Kera (misfortune), Moira (Fate), Mom (Slander and Stupidity), Nemesis (Retribution), Thanatos (Death), Eris (Strife), Erinyes (Vengeance) ), Ether (Air); Apata (Deception).

Natalia

Hades - god - ruler of the kingdom of the dead.
Antaeus is a hero of myths, a giant, the son of Poseidon and the Earth of Gaia. The earth gave its son strength, thanks to which no one could control him.
Apollo is the god of sunlight. The Greeks depicted him as a beautiful young man.
Ares is the god of treacherous war, the son of Zeus and Hera.
Asclepius - god of medicine, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis
Boreas is the god of the north wind, the son of the Titanides Astraeus (starry sky) and Eos (morning dawn), brother of Zephyr and Note. He was depicted as a winged, long-haired, bearded, powerful deity.
Bacchus is one of the names of Dionysus.
Helios (Helium) is the god of the Sun, brother of Selene (goddess of the Moon) and Eos (dawn). In late antiquity he was identified with Apollo, the god of sunlight.
Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maya, one of the most multi-valued Greek gods. Patron of wanderers, crafts, trade, thieves. Possessing the gift of eloquence.
Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera, the god of fire and blacksmithing. He was considered the patron of artisans.
Hypnos is the deity of sleep, the son of Nyx (Night). He was depicted as a winged youth.
Dionysus (Bacchus) is the god of viticulture and winemaking, the object of a number of cults and mysteries. He was depicted either as an obese elderly man or as a young man with a wreath of grape leaves on his head.
Zagreus is the god of fertility, the son of Zeus and Persephone.
Zeus is the supreme god, king of gods and people.
Zephyr is the god of the west wind.
Iacchus is the god of fertility.
Kronos is a titan, the youngest son of Gaia and Uranus, the father of Zeus. He ruled the world of gods and people and was overthrown from the throne by Zeus...
Mom is the son of the goddess of Night, the god of slander.
Morpheus is one of the sons of Hypnos, the god of dreams.
Nereus is the son of Gaia and Pontus, a meek sea god.
Not - the god of the south wind, was depicted with a beard and wings.
Ocean is a titan, the son of Gaia and Uranus, the brother and husband of Tethys and the father of all the rivers of the world.
The Olympians are the supreme gods of the younger generation of Greek gods, led by Zeus, who lived on the top of Mount Olympus.
Pan is a forest god, the son of Hermes and Dryope, a goat-footed man with horns. He was considered the patron saint of shepherds and small livestock.
Pluto is the god of the underworld, often identified with Hades, but unlike him, he owned not the souls of the dead, but wealth underworld.
Plutos is the son of Demeter, a god who gives wealth to people.
Pontus is one of the senior Greek deities, the offspring of Gaia, the god of the sea, the father of many titans and gods.
Poseidon is one of the Olympian gods, the brother of Zeus and Hades, who rules over the sea elements. Poseidon was also subject to the bowels of the earth,
he commanded storms and earthquakes.
Proteus is a sea deity, son of Poseidon, patron of seals. He had the gift of reincarnation and prophecy.
Satyrs are goat-footed creatures, demons of fertility.
Thanatos is the personification of death, the twin brother of Hypnos.
The Titans are a generation of Greek gods, the ancestors of the Olympians.
Typhon is a hundred-headed dragon born of Gaia or Hera. During the battle of the Olympians and the Titans, he was defeated by Zeus and imprisoned under the volcano Etna in Sicily.
Triton is the son of Poseidon, one of the sea deities, a man with a fish tail instead of legs, holding a trident and a twisted shell - a horn.
Chaos is the endless empty space from which at the beginning of time arose ancient gods Greek religion - Nyx and Erebus.
Chthonic gods are deities of the underworld and fertility, relatives of the Olympians. These included Hades, Hecate, Hermes, Gaia, Demeter, Dionysus and Persephone.
Cyclops are giants with one eye in the middle of their forehead, children of Uranus and Gaia.
Eurus (Eur) - god of the southeast wind.
Aeolus is the lord of the winds.
Erebus is the personification of the darkness of the underworld, the son of Chaos and the brother of Night.
Eros (Eros) - god of love, son of Aphrodite and Ares. IN ancient myths- a self-emerging force that contributed to the ordering of the world. He was depicted as a winged youth (in the Hellenistic era - a boy) with arrows, accompanying his mother.

Hades- God is the ruler of the kingdom of the dead. Antey- hero of myths, giant, son of Poseidon and the Earth of Gaia. The earth gave its son strength, thanks to which no one could control him. Apollo- god of sunlight. The Greeks depicted him as a beautiful young man. Ares- god of treacherous war, son of Zeus and Hera. Asclepius- god of healing arts, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis Boreas- god of the north wind, son of the Titanides Astraeus (starry sky) and Eos (morning dawn), brother of Zephyr and Note. He was depicted as a winged, long-haired, bearded, powerful deity. Bacchus- one of the names of Dionysus. Helios (Helium)- god of the Sun, brother of Selene (goddess of the Moon) and Eos (morning dawn). In late antiquity he was identified with Apollo, the god of sunlight. Hermes- the son of Zeus and Maya, one of the most polysemantic Greek gods. Patron of wanderers, crafts, trade, thieves. Possessing the gift of eloquence. Hephaestus- son of Zeus and Hera, god of fire and blacksmithing. He was considered the patron of artisans. Hypnos- deity of sleep, son of Nikta (Night). He was depicted as a winged youth. Dionysus (Bacchus)- the god of viticulture and winemaking, the object of a number of cults and mysteries. He was depicted either as an obese elderly man or as a young man with a wreath of grape leaves on his head. Zagreus- god of fertility, son of Zeus and Persephone. Zeus- supreme god, king of gods and people. Marshmallow- god of the west wind. Iacchus- god of fertility. Kronos- Titan, youngest son of Gaia and Uranus, father of Zeus. He ruled the world of gods and people and was overthrown from the throne by Zeus... Mom- son of the goddess of Night, god of slander. Morpheus- one of the sons of Hypnos, god of dreams. Nereus- son of Gaia and Pontus, meek sea god. Note- the god of the south wind, depicted with a beard and wings. Ocean- Titan, son of Gaia and Uranus, brother and husband of Tethys and father of all the rivers of the world. Olympians- the supreme gods of the younger generation of Greek gods, led by Zeus, who lived on the top of Mount Olympus. Pan- forest god, son of Hermes and Dryope, goat-footed man with horns. He was considered the patron saint of shepherds and small livestock. Pluto- the god of the underworld, often identified with Hades, but unlike him, he owned not the souls of the dead, but the riches of the underworld. Plutos- son of Demeter, god who gives wealth to people. Pont- one of the senior Greek deities, the offspring of Gaia, the god of the sea, the father of many titans and gods. Poseidon- one of the Olympian gods, brother of Zeus and Hades, who rules over the sea elements. Poseidon also had power over the bowels of the earth; he commanded storms and earthquakes. Proteus- sea deity, son of Poseidon, patron of seals. He had the gift of reincarnation and prophecy. Satires- goat-footed creatures, demons of fertility. Thanatos- personification of death, twin brother of Hypnos. Titans- generation of Greek gods, ancestors of the Olympians. Typhon- a hundred-headed dragon born of Gaia or Hera. During the battle of the Olympians and the Titans, he was defeated by Zeus and imprisoned under the volcano Etna in Sicily. Triton- son of Poseidon, one of the sea deities, a man with a fish tail instead of legs, holding a trident and a twisted shell - a horn. Chaos- an endless empty space from which at the beginning of time the most ancient gods of the Greek religion - Nyx and Erebus - emerged. Chthonic gods- deities of the underworld and fertility, relatives of the Olympians. These included Hades, Hecate, Hermes, Gaia, Demeter, Dionysus and Persephone. Cyclops- giants with one eye in the middle of the forehead, children of Uranus and Gaia. Eurus (Eur)- god of the southeast wind. Aeolus- lord of the winds. Erebus- personification of the darkness of the underworld, son of Chaos and brother of Night. Eros (Eros)- god of love, son of Aphrodite and Ares. In the most ancient myths - a self-emerging force that contributed to the ordering of the world. He was depicted as a winged youth (in the Hellenistic era - a boy) with arrows, accompanying his mother. Ether- deity of the sky

Goddesses of ancient Greece

Artemis- goddess of hunting and nature. Atropos- one of the three moiras, cutting the thread of fate and ending human life. Athena (Pallada, Parthenos)- daughter of Zeus, born from his head in full military armor. One of the most revered Greek goddesses, the goddess of just war and wisdom, the patroness of knowledge. Aphrodite (Kytharea, Urania)- goddess of love and beauty. She was born from the marriage of Zeus and the goddess Dione (according to another legend, she came out of the sea foam) Hebe- daughter of Zeus and Hera, goddess of youth. Sister of Ares and Ilithyia. She served the Olympian gods at feasts. Hecate- goddess of darkness, night visions and sorcery, patroness of sorcerers. Gemera- goddess of daylight, personification of the day, born of Nikta and Erebus. Often identified with Eos. Hera- the supreme Olympian goddess, sister and third wife of Zeus, daughter of Rhea and Kronos, sister of Hades, Hestia, Demeter and Poseidon. Hera was considered the patroness of marriage. Hestia- goddess of the hearth and fire. Gaia- mother earth, foremother of all gods and people. Demeter- goddess of fertility and agriculture. Dryads- lower deities, nymphs who lived in trees. Ilithia- patron goddess of women in labor. Iris- winged goddess, assistant of Hera, messenger of the gods. Calliope- muse of epic poetry and science. Kera- demonic creatures, children of the goddess Nikta, bringing troubles and death to people. Clio- one of the nine muses, the muse of history. Clotho ("spinner")- one of the moiras that spin the thread of human life. Lachesis- one of the three Moira sisters, who determine the fate of every person even before birth. Summer- Titanide, mother of Apollo and Artemis. Mayan- a mountain nymph, the eldest of the seven Pleiades - the daughters of Atlas, the beloved of Zeus, from whom Hermes was born to her. Melpomene- muse of tragedy. Metis- goddess of wisdom, the first of the three wives of Zeus, who conceived Athena from him. Mnemosyne- mother of nine muses, goddess of memory. Moira- goddess of fate, daughter of Zeus and Themis. Muses- patron goddess of the arts and sciences. Naiads- nymphs-guardians of waters. Nemesis- daughter of Nikta, a goddess who personified fate and retribution, punishing people in accordance with their sins. Nereids- fifty daughters of Nereus and the oceanids Doris, sea deities. Nika- personification of victory. She was often depicted wearing a wreath, a common symbol of triumph in Greece. Nymphs- lower deities in the hierarchy of Greek gods. They personified the forces of nature. Nikta- one of the first Greek deities, the goddess is the personification of the primordial Night. Orestiades- mountain nymphs. Ory- goddess of the seasons, peace and order, daughter of Zeus and Themis. Peyto- goddess of persuasion, companion of Aphrodite, often identified with her patroness. Persephone- daughter of Demeter and Zeus, goddess of fertility. The wife of Hades and the queen of the underworld, who knew the secrets of life and death. Polyhymnia- the muse of serious hymn poetry. Tethys- daughter of Gaia and Uranus, wife of Ocean and mother of the Nereids and Oceanids. Rhea- mother of the Olympian gods. Sirens- female demons, half-woman, half-bird, capable of changing the weather at sea. Waist- the muse of comedy. Terpsichore- muse of dance art. Tisiphone- one of the Erinyes. Quiet- goddess of fate and chance among the Greeks, companion of Persephone. She was depicted as a winged woman standing on a wheel and holding a cornucopia and a ship's rudder in her hands. Urania- one of the nine muses, patroness of astronomy. Themis- Titanide, goddess of justice and law, second wife of Zeus, mother of mountains and moira. Charites- goddess of female beauty, the embodiment of a kind, joyful and eternally young beginning of life. Eumenides- another hypostasis of the Erinyes, revered as goddesses of benevolence, who prevented misfortunes. Eris- daughter of Nyx, sister of Ares, goddess of discord. Erinyes- goddesses of vengeance, creatures of the underworld, who punished injustice and crimes. Erato- Muse of lyrical and erotic poetry. Eos- goddess of the dawn, sister of Helios and Selene. The Greeks called it “rose-fingered.” Euterpe- muse of lyrical chant. Depicted with a double flute in her hand.