exhibits
events
membership
for generations
programs
gift shop
general info
about us
volunteer
contact us
home

Mythology: A Day in the Life of an Ancient Greek

The Twelve Olympian Gods:

Aphrodite (aff-ro-die-tee)

Aphrodite, the daughter of Uranus and the wife of Hephaestos, was the goddess of love and beauty. She was born in the sea and rode to shore on a seashell. Charming but vain, she had many admirers because of her beauty. Aphrodite was thought to have provoked the Trojan War by promising Helen to Paris, if he judged her the most beautiful goddess. Her symbols were roses, doves, sparrows, dolphins, and rams.

Apollo (a-poll-o)

Apollo was the god of the Sun, truth, music, poetry, dance, healing, and controlled the Sun's movement across the sky. He was the twin brother of Artemis, and very protective of his mother and sister. He killed his mother's enemy, the serpent Python, when it was sheltering the shrine at Delphi, and made Delphi his Oracle. His symbol was a laurel tree.

Ares (are-eez)

Ares was the god of war. He had a violent temper and was always picking fights. He was strong and handsome, and an expert but jealous lover. His symbols were a burning torch, a spear, dogs and vultures.

Artemis (are-te-mis)

Artemis was the goddess of the moon, wild animals and childbirth. She never married, was fiercely independent and could be merciless in her vengeance. Her silver arrows brought plague and death, but she also had healing powers. She protected young girls and pregnant women. Her symbols were cypress trees, deer, and dogs.

Athena (a-thee-nee)

Athena was the goddess of war, wisdom and art. She was born from the head of Zeus and was the patron goddess of Athens. She rarely lost her temper, but if angered she could be deadly. Her symbols were the owls and the olive tree.

Demeter (de-meet-ta)

Demeter was the goddess of grain, harvests and fertility. She was helped by her daughter Persephone, but when Persephone was kidnapped by Hades to be his wife, Demeter abandoned her duties to go in search of her. Her symbol was a sheaf of wheat or barley.

Dionysus (die-on-eye-sus)

Dionysus was the god of wine, vegetation and theater. He was born of the thigh of Zeus. He journeyed around the world teaching people how to make wine from grapes. He led a wild, pleasure-filled life, attended by fanatical followers, especially female creatures called Maenads. He became cupbearer to the gods.

Hephaestus (heff-eyestoss)

Hephaestus was the god of fire, volcanoes, blacksmiths and craftsmen. He was hard working and kind, but life was difficult for him. As a child he was crippled after being thrown from Olympus by his mean-tempered mother, Hera. Aphrodite was forced to marry him against her will and he suffered from her constant infidelities.

Hera (hear-a)

Hera was the goddess of women and marriage. She was the daughter of Cronos and Rhea, and sister and wife of Zeus. She spent much of her time chasing her husband's lovers and punishing them. Her symbols were the pomegranate and peacock.

Hermes (her-meez)

Hermes was the god of travel, business, weights, measures and sports. He was energetic and mischievous as a child. To keep him out of trouble, Zeus made him the messenger to the gods, and patron of voyagers and thieves. He wore a winged hat and carried a staff, which acted as his defining symbols.

Poseidon (poss-eye-don)

Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes and horses. He was the brother of Zeus and Hera, and King of the Oceans. He lived in an underwater palace, rode a gold chariot with white horses, and controlled storms, sea monsters and earthquakes. His symbols were a trident, dolphins and horses.

Zeus (zyoos)

Zeus was the god of the weather and the ruler of the gods. He was married to his sister Hera and had one son and two daughters by her: Ares, Eris and Hebe. He had many affairs with mortal women, appearing to them in different disguises- as a bull, a swan, or a shower of gold. His symbols were the thunderbolt, the eagle and the oak tree.

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm
801 West Adams, 4th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60607

(C) 2003 Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center. All Rights Reserved.

Phone: 312.655.1234
Fax: 312.655.1221