Here are the twelve Olympian gods and a brief description of each. The Greeks
and Romans shared the same stories, but used different names.
Greek
Roman
Description
Zeus
Jupiter
Lord
of the sky and supreme ruler of the gods. Known for throwing lightening
bolts.
Poseidon
Neptune
Ruler
of the sea. Brother of Zeus. Carried a three-pronged spear known as
a trident.
Hades
Pluto
Ruler
of the underworld and the dead. Brother of Zeus. Had a helmet which
rendered its wearer invisible.
Hestia
Vesta
A
virgin goddess and sister of Zeus. No distinct personality or part
in myths. Goddess of the Hearth, the symbol of the home.
Hera
Juno
Zeus's
wife and sister. Protector of marriage, spent most of her time punishing
the many women Zeus fell in love with. Likes cows and peacocks.
Ares
Mars
God
of war and son of Zeus and Hera. Likes vultures and dogs.
Athena
Minerva
Daughter
of Zeus alone. No mother.(?) She sprang from his head full-grown and
in full armor. The protector of civilized life, handicrafts, and agriculture.
Invented the bridle, and first to tame the horse. Likes Athens, olives,
and owls.
Apollo
Apollo
Son
of Zeus. Master musician, archer god, healer, god of light, god of
truth, sun god. A busy god who likes the laurel tree, dolphins, and
crows.
Aphrodite
Venus
Daughter
of Zeus. Goddess of Love and Beauty. Likes the myrtle tree, doves,
sparrows, and swans.
Hermes
Mercury
Son
of Zeus. Wore wings on his sandals and his hat, thus was graceful
and swift.
Artemis
Diana
Apollo's
twin sister and daughter of Zeus. Lady of wild things and huntsman
to the gods. As Apollo is the Sun, Artemis is the moon.
Hephaestus
Vulcan
Son
of Hera, God of Fire. The only ugly and deformed god. Makes armor
and weapons forged under volcanoes.
Other Gods
Greek
Roman
Description
Gaea
Terra
Mother
Earth.
Asclepius
Aesculapius
God
of medicine.
Cronus
Saturn
God of the sky; Ruler of the Titans (Roman mythology: God of agriculture)
Send to Friend
Printable Page
Register for Updates