Greek Olympian Gods And Goddesses: Facts And Myths

There have been many stories regarding Greek gods mentioned throughout history. They all have has very exaggerated personalities and they are irked with personal flaws and negative emotions despite their super-hero-like powers. There are 12 Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology who are major deities of the Greek pantheon. I have noted down few names of Olympian Greek gods in ancient mythology and some interesting information about each.

Zeus

Zeus is the god of the entire Olympian god, he is the god of sky and he is always depicted with his weapon thunderbolt. He is known for his anger as well as his good behavior towards other gods and humankind. He was married to his own sister Hera. He specifically hates liars and traitors and often gave them savior punishment. He used to have several love affairs.

Hera

Hera was Zeus wife as well as sister. She is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. She is known for protecting marriage women. It is has been said that Zeus tricked Hera in marriage. Zeus tried several times to woo Hera but all his attempts failed, so one day Zeus disguised himself in a peacock, particularly a wounded peacock. When Hera saw the peacock, she felt sorry and she held the bird to her breast. The moment she took the bird closer to her, the Zeus resumed his identity and raped Hera. Out of shame, Hera had to marry Zeus. However, the marriage was never stable and they both clashed frequently.

Apollo

Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto. He is the god of music. He is known for healing and he had great skills of archery. It is said that he bought the science of medicine to man. However, the most important task he had to perform was, every day he had to harness his four-horse chariot in order to move sun from east to west. In addition, although he could prevent diseases, he could also bring diseases through his arrows. He did not have a good relationship with his father but all-rounder he was the god of light and truth

Ares

Ares is also the son of Zeus but he is quite opposite to Apollo. He is the god of war. His depicted with violence and war. Both his parents that is Zeus and Hera disliked him. He also faced defeat more than once so he often considers as humiliating personality. He was in love with his sister Aphrodite, who was already married. However, they united and their union gave birth to 8 children including Eros, who became the god of love.

Aphrodite

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and sex. There are two accounts of birth. One is she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione and another is she arose from the sea on a giant scallop. She was a natural beauty. Although she was married to Hephaestus, she had a love affair with her brother Ares. When her husband came to knew about her love affair with her brother, he tried to humiliate her in front of other Olympian gods. She represents sex, love, and affection.

Athena

Athena is a virgin goddess. She was the dearest child of Zeus. She has a unique birth. When Metis was pregnant, he was told that the Metis would give birth to a son who would later overthrow him and will take his thrown. In fear of losing is thrown he swallowed the pregnant Metis. After that he had a severe headache, Athena was born from the Zeus' head wearing armour, and she was a fully-grown woman. She became so close to Zeus that he even let her use his weapons including Thunderbolt.

If you know any additional information about Olympian gods and goddesses let me know in the comment section below