Greek Gods, Heroes and Villains
The stories of Ancient Greece, are tales of heroes and villains, of gods and goddesses. Even today thousands of years after they were originally told they can still enthral the reader.
This page is just a brief insight into some of the tales that involve the gods of most Olympus and the mortals they interacted with.
The Twelve Olympians - A brief look at the gods of Mount Olympus
This page is just a brief insight into some of the tales that involve the gods of most Olympus and the mortals they interacted with.
The Twelve Olympians - A brief look at the gods of Mount Olympus
Zeus
The Supreme God
Zeus was the ruler of the Olympian gods, as well as ruler of the sky. Zeus overthrew his Titan father, Cronus, with the help of his siblings during the Titanomachy.Famed for his lightning bolts, Zeus was the god of justice and mercy, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked. He is though as much famed for his lovers, gods and mortals, and his offspring as for anything else
Some of the tales involving the ruler of the gods -
Zeus & Danae - the tale one of Zeus' mortal lover, and their offspring, Perseus
Zeus & Europa - Another tale of Zeus' lust for a mortal woman
Hades
God of the Underworld
Hades was the brother of Zeus, and when the universe was divided Hades gained control of the dead and the underworld.Hades would spend most of the time in his domain rather than on Mount Olympus. Hades did little in the stories of Greek mythology other than interact with the visitors to and inhabitants of his realm
Hades - more details about the god of the Underworld
Hades - the Underworld - details about the domain of Hades the god
Poseidon
God of the Sea
Another brother of Zeus, Poseidon was the god of the sea. Like Hades he would spend his time under the waves in his domain.There are many tales though of Poseidon, especially of his liasons with the opposite sex.
Poseidon - further information about the god of the Sea
Hera
Wife of Zeus
The female leader of the Olympian gods, Hera was sister and wife to Zeus. A jealous wife there are many tales of her venegence against other women.Hera though is an ancient god who's tales predate the Olympian tales by many hundreds of years
Hera - further stories about Hera Queen of Gods
Hermes
The Messenger
Hermes is a second generation Olympian, and son of Zeus. Hermes was considered the most loyal of all gods, and as such was made messenger of the gods.Hermes was also known as a friend to man, and also a trickster and thief of some note
Hermes - tales of Hermes messenger and trickster
Hestia
Goddess of the Hearth and Home
One of the original Olympians, Hestia was sister to Zeus. Hestia though gave up her place in Olympus in order to mind the hearth of Mount Olympus.Hestia - the story of Hestia
Hephaestus
God of Fire and Metalwork
Exiled from Mount Olympus, Hephaestus learnt his trade in order that he would become indispensible to the other Olympians. His metalwork was beyond anyone else, and created many of the weapons used by the gods and mortal heroes. He also created robots from metal to help him and mortals alike.Hephaestus - the story of Hephaestus
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The Villains
Gods and monsters
For every god or hero there had to be some kind of evil to be fought against. There were other gods other than the Olympians and there were creatures and monsters roaming the earth to be dealt with
- The Titans
- The Titans were the rulers of earth prior to the Olympians. Cronus was the ruler of the Titans before being overthrown by his son, Zeus
The link provdes details of the first and second generation Titans - Cronus
- Once the supreme ruler of the universe, Cronus was the leader of the Titans and father of Zeus.
- Atlas
- One of the most famous of the Titans, was Atlas who's punishment for leading the Titans against Zeus in battle was to hold up the heavens
The link below is a more indepth story of Atlas's life and interaction with others in Greek mythology - The Cyclopes
- There are two distinct generations of Cyclopes. The first generation were three brothers who fought alongside Zeus in the Titonmachy.
It is though the second generation and the cave in The Odyssey that brings the Cyclopes fame
The link provides details to both generations - Medusa
- One of the most famous of villains from Greek Mythology - the Gorgon Medusa. The ability to turn living things to stone came about as a result of a fight with Athena.
The link is for more details about the life and death of the snake haired monster - The Minotaur
- Legendary inhabitant of the Knossos labyrinth. teh Minotaur wondered the maze gorging on the sacrificial youths of Athens
- The Sirens
- Singers of songs designed to lure sailors to their doom, the Sirens feature prominantly in the Odyssey and other Greek tales
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The Mortals
The heroes of Ancient Greece were often mortals born of the Gods. Their role in the ancient tales though are often no less important than the stories of the gods themselves.
- Atalanta
- Atalanta was one of the few mortal females who were to play a heroic role in the Greek tales. From huntress to warrior, Atalanta though is best remembered for her suitors.
The link provides more details about the life and loves of the heroine Atalanta - Daedalus
- Daedalus was the premier craftsman and inventor of Ancient Greece. Designer of the Knossos maze, and famed for the first manned flight.
The link gives details of the stories where Daedalus interacts with Theseus, as well as the story of is own life and works - Theseus
- An Athenian prince and offspring of Poseidon. Theseus would have many ups and downs in his life from hero and slayer of the Minotaur, to diplomat and politician in Athens, and finally a wanderer
- Perseus
- The offspring of Zeus and the mortal Danae, Perseus went on to slay the Gorgon Medusa, and found the city of Mycenae
- Achilles
- Legendary warrior of Greece, and tormentor of Troy. The name of Achilles lives on even today with the Achilles Heel.
The Immortals
There were many other lesser gods and mythological beings who inhabited the world of Ancient Greece, mainly the offspring of the gods, each was to play there own role in the world.
- Persephone
- Daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone was a beautiful goddess desired by Hades. Hades abducted her and made her the goddess of the Underworld.
- The Hesperides
- The guardians of the Golden Apples of Hera, the Hesperides were nymphs who some say were the offspring of Atlas.
- Pan
- A lesser god from antiquity, the name and image of Pan has survived through to modern day. He is also often credited as being the only Greek god to die.
- Triton
- Triton was both the son of Poseidon, and therefore a lesser god, but also the name to mermen and mermaids who would accompany the Sea gods.
- Prometheus
- A second generation Titan, Prometheus predates even Zeus, but gave him assistance during the Titanomachy. Known as the Benefactor of Man, Prometheus stole fire from Mount Olympus to give to mankind.
by mrtimharry
Just spending some spare minutes putting my interests out into the world (more)
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