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In Greek Mythology there are countless deities, but there are twelve main gods and goddesses. Because of the fact that they were thought to have lived at the top of Mount Olympus they were known as the "Olympians". These gods and goddesses show up in many Greek legends, so it's a good idea to know who they are.
Steps
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1Learn their names. One of the simplest ways to make sure you know the Olympians is to just learn their names. Chant them, write them down, make up a rhyme, whatever works for you. The names of the gods and goddesses are:
- Zeus
- Poseidon
- Hera
- Hermes
- Athena
- Ares
- Hephaestus
- Aphrodite
- Demeter
- Dionysus
- Apollo
- Artemis
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2Associate them with what they are in charge of. Each god or goddess had a whole list of things that they were in charge of, from wine to thieves. Learn some of the more interesting things that the gods were in charge of, and the names will come along with it. For example:
- Zeus: King of all the Gods, ruler of Mount Olympus. He is the ruler of clouds, air, the atmosphere, thunder, and lightning. He is known to be unfaithful to his wife, Hera, and have children with mortals disguised as a mortal himself.
- Poseidon: God of the sea and brother of Zeus; he is known to cause earthquakes with his trident. He has a rivalry with his niece, Athena after she beat him in a contest to be the patron god/goddess of Athens and other events.
- Hera: Queen of the gods; wife and sister of Zeus, and the goddess of weddings, women, family, and motherhood. She is always jealous of the affairs Zeus had with other women, and tries to harm them and/or their children.
- Hermes: God of thieves, travels, merchants, and messenger of the gods.
- Athena: Goddess of wisdom, crafts, and battle strategy. Athens got its name from her.
- Ares: God of war and bloodshed. He is also the lover of Aphrodite.
- Hephaestus: God of craftsmanship and fire. He makes weapons for the gods with the help of Cyclops (one-eyed monsters).And he was wife of Aphrodite.
- Aphrodite: Goddess of love and beauty. She married Hephaestus, but had affairs with Ares and many more.
- Demeter: Goddess of agriculture and harvest, and also the sister of Zeus. She is very protective of her daughter, Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, and lives there 1/3 of every year.
- Dionysus: God of wine, festivity, rituals, and fertility.
- Apollo: God of the sun, poetry, music, healing, and prophecies. He had many oracles, the most famous of which is at Delphi.
- Artemis: Goddess of the moon, hunting, archery, and wild animals. She has a group of maidens called the Hunters of Artemis who become immortal, except for in combat.
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3Learn their symbols. All of the gods had symbols that they used to represent themselves.[1]
- Zeus: Royal scepter, eagle, and thunderbolt.
- Poseidon: Trident, dolphin, fish, and horse.
- Hera: Peacock, pomegranate, cuckoo, lily, lotus, and cow.
- Hermes: Winged sandals, tortoise, lyre, rooster, and caduceus
- Athena: Owl, Aegis (shield with Medusa's face on it), armor, and olive trees
- Ares: Vulture, venomous snake, spear, sword, chariot, and dog
- Hephaestus: Hammer, tongs, fire, and anvil
- Aphrodite: Dove, apple, scallop shell, girdle, rose, and myrtle wreath
- Demeter: Cornucopia, wheat, torch, and bread
- Dionysus: Grapevine, wine, panther, and tiger
- Artemis: Bow and arrow, moon, stag, and dog
- Apollo: Laurel wreath, python, raven, and swan
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4Find out what they are supposed to look like. Study the remaining ancient sculptures or paintings inspired by the Olympians. Do your research on the internet and in libraries to figure out how they are portrayed and what they look like. For example, Aphrodite is always portrayed as a young, beautiful girl. Demeter has long blonde hair and tanned skin, whilst her younger sister Hera has pale skin and liquorice black hair.
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5Watch a Greek mythology-themed movie. Many movies focus on Greek mythology, and watching one or two may help you to easily learn the "who's who" of the Olympians and also be a lot more fun than written learning! Some simple ones to get into include Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief or Disney's Hercules.
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6Read fiction books which are related to Greek mythology. Examples include Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus, both written by Rick Riordan. Rick Riordan also released a book on the Twelve Olympians and a sum up of main events in mythology called Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which myths are discussed in a modern setting with sarcasm and humour, which would make it easier for it to be learned.Advertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhy would anybody want to study Greek gods?
Community AnswerThe Greeks were an advanced and fascinating society with a complex pantheon of gods. The stories of the Greek gods are not only great stories, they can tell you a lot about the Greeks themselves and their belief systems. -
QuestionWho was in charge before Greek gods?
Fan Girl1116Community AnswerThe Titans were in charge before the Greek Olympians. The 12 Olympians were actually the children of the ruler of the Titans, but then Zeus and his brothers/sisters overthrew him. -
QuestionWhat about Hestia? Also, what about Persephone? You forgot her too.
Faiza TalukderCommunity AnswerHestia gave her place to Dionysus and left. That's why she is not considered one of the Olympians. Hades' wife Persephone resides with Hades in the underworld. So she is also not an Olympian. -
QuestionWhere can I get books to study?Community AnswerAsk at your public library. There are tons of books about mythology, and if your local branch doesn't have what you need, they will have it sent from another location for you.
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QuestionWho was in charge of the 12 Olympian Gods?Fan Girl1116Community AnswerZeus/Jupiter was the leader of the 12 Olympian gods, but no one was really in charge of them. They just kind of ruled themselves along with Zeus/Jupiter.
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QuestionIs Hades an Olympian?
Community AnswerHe doesn't live on Mount Olympus, so he isn't. He is part of the Big Three (Zeus, Poseidon and Hades). -
QuestionWhat books besides those by Rick Riordan could I read to know the twelve Olympians of Greek mythology?Community AnswerThere are many more books to read about Greek mythology. You could also search online for information about the Olympians. And in a library or a bookstore.
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QuestionWhy didn't you add Hestia/Vesta too? She is the oldest of them.Emmy ZhaiCommunity AnswerShe gave up her throne to the god of wine Dionysus, she is therefore not an Olympian.
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QuestionHow many Greek gods are there?TorpiTop AnswererThere are about 400 Greek gods altogether, but the main ones to know are the twelve Olympians listed here, plus Hestia and Hades. Some lists give Hestia Dionysus's place on Olympus instead, and make him one of the "extras".
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QuestionWho is the oldest Olympian?TorpiTop AnswererIt depends on which story you follow. Some legends say that Aphrodite was born first (and is the aunt, rather than the sister, of the other Olympians), but others say that she's the daughter of Zeus. Other than Aphrodite, Hestia was born first - but some say she's not an Olympian, which makes the second-born, Demeter, the oldest actual Olympian (other than Aphrodite).
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