God the creator of people in ancient Greek mythology. Myths of ancient Greece
The names of most of the gods are arranged as hyperlinks, where you can go to a detailed article about each of them.
The main deities of Ancient Greece: 12 Olympic gods, their helpers and companions
The main gods in Ancient Hellas were those that belonged to the younger generation of celestials. Once it took power over the world from the older generation, personifying the main universal forces and elements (see about this in the article The Origin of the Gods of Ancient Greece). The gods of the older generation are usually called titans. Having defeated the titans, the younger gods, led by Zeus, settled on Mount Olympus. The ancient Greeks honored 12 Olympian gods. Their list usually included Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hephaestus, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Ares, Aphrodite, Demeter, Hermes, Hestia. Hades is also close to the Olympian gods, but he does not live on Olympus, but in his underworld.
Legends and myths of Ancient Greece. Cartoon
Goddess Artemis. Statue in the Louvre
Statue of Athena the Virgin in the Parthenon. Ancient Greek sculptor Phidias
Hermes with caduceus. Statue from the Vatican Museum
Venus (Aphrodite) de Milo. Statue ca. 130-100 BC
God Eros. Red-figure dish, ca. 340-320 BC e.
Hymen Companion of Aphrodite, god of marriage. According to his name, wedding hymns were also called hymens in ancient Greece.
Daughter of Demeter, kidnapped by the god Hades. The inconsolable mother, after a long search, found Persephone in the underworld. Hades, who made her his wife, agreed that she would spend part of the year on earth with her mother, and the other with him in the bowels of the earth. Persephone was the personification of the grain, which, being "dead" sown in the ground, then "comes to life" and comes out of it into the light.
The Abduction of Persephone. Antique jug, ca. 330-320 BC
Amphitrite Poseidon's wife, one of the Nereids
Proteus One of the Greek sea deities. The son of Poseidon, who had the gift to predict the future and change his appearance
Triton- the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the messenger of the deep sea, trumpeting the shell. By appearance- a mixture of man, horse and fish. Close to the eastern god Dagon.
Eirene- the goddess of the world, standing at the throne of Zeus on Olympus. IN Ancient Rome- Goddess Pax.
Nika- goddess of victory. Constant companion of Zeus. In Roman mythology - Victoria
Dike- in ancient Greece - the personification of divine truth, a goddess hostile to deceit
Tyukhe- Goddess of good luck and luck. The Romans - Fortuna
Morpheus- the ancient Greek god of dreams, the son of the god of sleep Hypnos
Plutus- god of wealth
Phobos("Fear") - the son and companion of Ares
Deimos("Horror") - the son and companion of Ares
Enyo- among the ancient Greeks - the goddess of violent war, which causes rage in the fighters and brings confusion to the battle. In Ancient Rome - Bellona
Titans
The Titans are the second generation of the gods of Ancient Greece, born of the elements of nature. The first titans were six sons and six daughters, descended from the connection of Gaia-Earth with Uranus-Sky. Six sons: Kron (Time. for the Romans - Saturn), Ocean (father of all rivers), Hyperion, Kay, Crius, Iapetus. Six daughters: Tethys(Water), Theia(Shine), Rhea(Mother Mountain?), Themis (Justice), Mnemosyne(Memory), Phoebe.
Uranus and Gaia. Ancient Roman mosaic 200-250 A.D.
In addition to the titans, Gaia gave birth to Cyclopes and Hecatoncheirs from marriage with Uranus.
cyclops- three giants with a large, round, fiery eye in the middle of the forehead. In ancient times - the personification of the clouds, from which lightning sparkles
Hecatoncheires- "hundred-armed" giants, against whose terrible power nothing can resist. Embodiments of terrible earthquakes and floods.
The Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires were so strong that Uranus himself was horrified by their power. He tied them up and threw them into the depths of the earth, where they still rage, causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The stay of these giants in the womb of the earth began to cause her terrible suffering. Gaia persuaded her youngest son, Kronos, to take revenge on his father, Ouranos.
Throughout the history of mankind, civilizations, replacing each other, brought their way of life, their culture and religion. Few people today know the names of Sumerian idols or Assyrian idols. But the names of the ancient Greek gods are known to almost everyone. More than two thousand years ago, thanks to the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek culture spread throughout the expanses of his empire. And since ancient Greek gods live in people's minds. Stories about them were passed from mouth to mouth, sung in poems and described in novels.
Many people know stories about the formidable Zeus, the cunning Hera, the frivolous Artemis and the selfless Prometheus. Other characters of Greek mythology gradually faded into the shadows. In this article, we will refresh the memory of the stories of several gods highly respected by the ancient peoples. As is customary in mythology, each of them patronized a certain area of human activity or was responsible for certain natural phenomena.
sky god
The sky god's name is Uranus. He belongs to the oldest generation of gods. He appeared either from Chaos, or from Hemera, or from Ophion. All myths represent his birth in different ways. However, everyone agrees that it was Uranus who first began to rule the world.
The most striking feature of this deity was incredible fertility. His wife Gaia gave birth to child after child. But Uranus did not like children. And he thrust them back into the bosom of his wife.
In the end, Gaia was tired of this, and she made a cunning plan to overthrow her husband. Putting a sharp sickle into the hands of her son Kronos, she hid it in a secluded place and taught him what to do.
When the loving husband, as usual, lay down on the marriage bed, Kronos jumped out of hiding and castrated his father. The very same reproductive organ of the tyrant Kronos threw to the ground. The fertility of Uranus was so great that from every drop of his blood that fell to the ground, giants and goddesses were born. So the Erinyes and Aphrodite appeared.
Rejected by wife, children and subjects
Together with male dignity, Uranus also lost his power, which passed to Kronos, who rebelled against him. According to the legends of Euhemerus, the disgraced supreme god died in the ocean and was buried in an ordinary fortress.
Until now, archaeologists have not discovered a single temple that would be dedicated to Uranus. Although the ancient Greek gods, the list of which is very impressive, have always been distinguished by the presence of devoted fans. But in this case, there are not even images of Uranus left. Even in myths, despite his position as supreme ruler, Uranus is described as a minor character. And only in one literary work - "Theogony" - this god is described in more or less detail.
bestower of light
The ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios, also belongs to the most ancient generation of celestials. He is much older Olympic gods and belongs to the family of titans. But in relation to fans, he was much more fortunate than the ill-fated Uranus. In honor of Helios, temples were built and statues were erected. One of the seven wonders of the world - the Colossus of Rhodes - depicted this particular god.
The fact that a giant bronze statue, reaching a height of 36 meters, was built on Rhodes is not an accidental phenomenon. The fact is that this island was considered the personal possession of Helios. According to legend, while other ancient Greek gods divided earthly possessions among themselves, he did not leave his post in a fiery chariot marching through the sky. Therefore, he himself extracted the island for himself from the depths of the sea.
An enviable place in the family tree
The radiant god could rightfully be proud of his origin. His father was the titan Hyperion (which is why in myths he sometimes appears under the nickname Hyperionid), and his mother was the titanide Theia. The sisters of Helios were the goddess of the moon, Selene, and the goddess of the dawn, Eos. Although there are sometimes discrepancies regarding the latter. Some ancient authors call Eos not a sister, but the daughter of a god.
The ancient Greeks portrayed Helios as a beautiful man with an athletic build. Every day he began by leading the heavenly chariot, which was drawn by snow-white winged horses. The names of amazing animals matched their appearance - Lightning, Thunder, Light and Shine. Having passed the usual path through the sky, in the evening Helios solemnly descended into the western waters of the ocean, in order to start all over again in the morning.
ancient greek god of art
The Greeks have long been considered admirers of all that is beautiful. Until now, Apollo, the ancient Greek god, the patron of art and the leader of the nine muses, has been the standard of male beauty. Poets, painters and musicians have drawn inspiration from this image for hundreds of years. However, despite the impressive appearance and a very close relationship with the goddess of love (she was his own sister), Apollo did not always achieve reciprocity from his chosen ones and chosen ones.
At one time, he was rejected by the goddesses Cybele, Persephone and Hestia. And the nymph Daphne chose to forever turn into a plant in order to avoid the unequivocal courtship of Apollo. And the mere mortal princess Cassandra was not seduced by his sweet speeches. As for Coronis and Marpessa, they literally at the first opportunity exchanged the company of the golden-haired deity for entertainment with other partners.
However, no matter how impressive the above list looks, Apollo had disproportionately more love victories. In addition to the huge number of women conquered by him, literary critics count more than twenty young men who were romantically connected with him. And at least one young man - Levkat - refused the offer to become the lover of the golden-haired god.
Prosperity Giver
If the names of Apollo, Helios and even Uranus are still widely known by people, then the question of what the god of wealth was called in ancient Greek mythology will surely baffle many. He is not so often found in myths, and it seems that no temples were built for him. Although in fine arts the Greek god of wealth appears even in several guises - as a baby, and an old man, and even one of the guardians of hell.
Plutos was born from the union of Demeter (goddess of fertility) and Iasion (god of agriculture). And since in the old days wealth was directly dependent on the harvest, such a combination gave rise to the patron of wealth. Every mortal who pleased the goddess Demeter in any way automatically fell under the tutelage of Plutos.
Iasion died at the hands of Zeus, who was jealous of Demeter for him. And Plutos himself, already in adulthood, was blinded by Zeus so that he would not distinguish between honest and dishonest people, bestowing wealth. However, the god of wealth in ancient Greek mythology did not remain blind forever. After some time, he was healed by the generous Asclepius.
Wind gods in mythology
The wind brothers Boreas, Zephyr and Not were also direct descendants of the ancient titans. Their parents were Astray and Eos - the god of the starry sky and the goddess of the dawn, respectively. Boreas ruled the strong north wind, Zephyr - western, and Note - southern. Homer also mentions Eurus - the east wind. However, its origin is unknown and information about it is very scarce.
According to legend, Boreas lived on the top of Mount Gemm, which is located in Thrace. Stocks of cold and darkness were also stored in his dwelling. The ancient Greek god of the wind himself was described as a strong old man with long gray hair and a lush long beard. Powerful wings extended behind him, and instead of legs, Boreas had several snake tails.
most famous history with the participation of this character is a story about the abduction of the daughter of the Athenian king - Orithia. Boreas fell in love with this girl and asked her father many times to let them marry. However, King Erechtheus was not at all delighted with the prospect of having such a son-in-law. Therefore, he repeatedly refused Boreas, citing many vague and indistinct excuses.
As ancient Greek mythology testifies, the gods are accustomed to getting what they want. Therefore, Boreas, without further ado, simply stole the Orithy that he liked and took possession of her without any marriage. And although history is silent about the details of their relationship, it is known for certain that for the god of the wind it was by no means a momentary impulse. After all, Orithia managed to give birth to him four children - two sons and two daughters.
However, the erotic interests of Boreas were by no means limited to pretty girls alone. Once he, turning into a stately stallion, in one day covered twelve selected mares from a herd of three thousand that belonged to Erichthonius. As a result of this connection, a dozen foals were born, capable of galloping right through the air.
The patron saint of trade and trickery
The ancient Greek god of trade - Hermes - is described in a number of myths. He is the official messenger from other gods, often helping heroes and periodically arranges small, but non-malicious dirty tricks to the supreme gods just for the sake of fooling around. For example, he steals the sword from Ares, deprives Apollo of his beloved bow and arrow, and even steals the scepter from Zeus himself.
In the hierarchy of the Olympian gods, Hermes occupies an honorable position due to his origin. His mother, Maya, is the oldest and most beautiful of the seven sisters (Pleiades). She was the daughter of the titan Atlanta (the one who, as a punishment for participating in the rebellion, was forced to hold the starry firmament on his shoulders) and the oceanides Pleione, the daughter of the titan of the Ocean. Maya liked the loving Zeus the Thunderer, and he, seizing a moment while Hera was sleeping, copulated with the Pleiades, who gave birth to Hermes from this union.
The adventures of the cunning god began from the cradle. Learning somehow that Apollo owns a large herd of cows, Hermes decided to steal them. His idea was brilliantly executed. Moreover, in order to knock the pursuer off the trail, the precocious cunning man attached sandals to the hooves of the cows. Hermes hid the herd in a cave on the island of Pylos, and he returned home.
In the end, Apollo still managed to find out that some kind of a little boy. He immediately guessed whose hands these tricks were, and went straight to Maya. In response to Apollo's accusations, the unsuspecting mother only pointed in confusion to the cradle in which Hermes, wrapped in swaddling clothes, calmly lay. However, this time Apollo did not let himself be fooled. He took the baby and carried him to Zeus.
Hermes' first deal
Apollo asked his father to deal with his stepbrother. The ancient Greek gods often resorted to his help in resolving controversial issues. However, no matter how the formidable Zeus asked Hermes, he denied everything. And only the perseverance of Apollo made it possible to beat the truth out of the young rascal. Or maybe it was the very first time that Hermes just wanted to show off his dexterity. It's no joke - to hold Apollo himself!
Near the cave in which the young Hermes hid the stolen herd, there lived a large tortoise. The boy killed her and made the first lyre out of the shell. The strings for this instrument were the thin and strong intestines of several cows slaughtered by him.
While Apollo was inspecting his herd, Hermes, knowing the reverent attitude of his divine brother to music, sat down at the entrance to the cave and, as if by chance, played the instrument he had invented. Enchanted by the sound of the lyre, Apollo offered to give all his cows for this instrument. That was just what Hermes wanted. He readily agreed to a deal, and while tending the flock, he began to play the flute. Apollo wanted to get this unusual tool, and in return he offered his brother his magic wand, which has the power to reconcile enemies.
Subsequently, Hermes became the god of trade, and at the same time, cheating with theft. But even his dishonest deeds were always carried out with a touch of humor and playfulness, for which his fans loved him. And the rod, bartered from Apollo, became an integral attribute of Hermes. The second significant item of his supernatural equipment is winged sandals made of gold and having the power to transfer him to any place on the land of the living, in the realm of the dead and in the heavenly abode of the gods.
Artful Inventor
But Hermes not only dabbled. According to the beliefs of the Greeks, it was he who invented writing. He came up with the first seven letters of the alphabet while watching the flight of cranes. He is also credited with the invention of numbers, as well as units of measurement. All this Hermes taught people, for which he received their veneration and gratitude.
Most of all, this god is known as the messenger of Zeus. In addition, on his own initiative, Hermes very often selflessly helped various heroes. Thanks to him, the innocent Frix and Gella were saved. He helped Amphion build the walls of the city, and gave Perseus a sword with which he was able to defeat Medusa. Hermes told Odysseus about the secret properties of the magic herb. And even the god of war, he saved from the malicious plans of the Aloads.
ancient greek god of war
Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera. But his father did not love him and did not hide his attitude. And for ordinary mortals, in whose lives the ancient Greek gods often interfered, the very name Ares caused chilling horror. After all, he was not just a god of war (his sister Pallas Athena was also considered the goddess of war, but fair and honest), but the inspirer of brutal massacres and senseless murders. For Ares, the war was needed simply for the heady aroma of combat and fresh blood. And for what reason the battle broke out was a matter of secondary importance.
But although the essence of this god was disgusting to others, he is portrayed as a very pleasant man without a trace of ugliness. Yes, and romantic feelings were not entirely alien to this mastermind of wars. Ares fell in love with the very goddess of love - Aphrodite, who reciprocated. And the fact that she was the wife of Hermes did not prevent them from conceiving five joint children.
The combination of fury of rage and reckless love gave rise to the most interesting offspring. Aphrodite gave birth to Ares Eros (the god of sensual attraction, often called Eros), Anteros, who himself denied the possibility of love and sought to arouse in others a feeling of hatred for those who love them, Deimos and Phobos (horror and fear, respectively) and daughter - Harmony.
Such names of the ancient Greek gods as Enyo and Eris are inextricably linked with the activities of Ares. They are his faithful companions and bring their share of bitterness, rage and bloodthirstiness into battles. While Ares himself, having personally taken up the sword, indiscriminately sows death around him.
Debunking Myths
The ancient Greeks endowed their gods with all the vices and virtues they saw in human society. With the help of myths, they sought to explain incomprehensible and frightening natural phenomena and find the meaning of their existence. Little by little, the original uncomplicated stories were overgrown with additional details, new characters appeared and fresh ideas were put forward. Thus, the world treasury of literature was replenished with new works.
At all times, deities and heroes sought to romanticize and idealize. They act before us as helpers, defenders and arbiters of human destinies. In early civilizations, each boy had his own ideal of a hero, whom he aspired to imitate and worship.
But even the most famous and positive gods and heroes of ancient Greek mythology are not without ordinary human vices and weaknesses. And upon closer examination, it invariably turns out that under the brilliant appearance lies a not so attractive essence. However, this fact in no way diminishes the artistic value of the myths that have come down to us, but on the contrary, it allows us to better know the customs and customs of the ancient peoples.
ancient greek mythology was one of the most striking phenomena that reflected on the entire world civilization. It appeared already in the primitive worldview of the ancient Greek tribes back in the period of matriarchy. Mythology immediately absorbed animistic and fetishistic ideas.
The cult of ancestors and totemism, which the ancient Greeks also did not pass, were subjected to mythological justification. In a word, the religion of the ancient Greeks began with mythology, found its best expression in mythology, reached its perfection in Olympian mythology.
Olympic mythology- this is the general Greek mythology of the period of patriarchy. The researchers noted an interesting point: the names of local gods or places of their veneration became epithets of common gods.
olympic pantheon headed by the "father of all gods and people" Zeus. He lives on Olympus, all the gods are completely subordinate to him. All Olympian gods are anthropomorphic, not only general image, but, so to speak, in details: they are physically identical to people, they have all human qualities, including negative ones, which sometimes disgrace these gods. They eat and drink, they swear, they are born and they die.
Next to the Olympic pantheon of gods, a significant number of mythical heroes arise who tame monsters that harm people. The anthropomorphism of ancient Greek mythology was evidence of awareness of their place in the world, the growth of their power over the forces of nature, a sense of its social significance.
Subsequently, anthropomorphic Greek gods are increasingly gaining in importance as the personification of the abstract forces of nature and society.
In Hellenistic literature, and then in the Roman epic, mythology, in addition to religious, acquires both literary and artistic significance, it provides the artist with material for allegories and metaphors, creates images of types and characters.
But the main thing for ancient Greek mythology is its functionality - it becomes the basis for the formation of ideas, determines the fetishism and magic of the ancient Greek religion.
Ancient Greek mythology, full of harmony and feeling real life, becomes the basis of realistic art not only in antiquity, but also later, in the Renaissance, up to our times.
Brought up on strict observance of laws and norms, the ancient Greeks carefully treated the implementation of cult provisions. Great importance they gained the cult of the god of the sun, light, wisdom and art of Apollo, a sanctuary in the Delta was dedicated to him. The Delphic priests and oracles of Apollo had great authority, they could interfere in state affairs and seriously influence events.
Another significant cult of that time was the cult of Demeter, the goddess of fertility and agriculture, as well as legislation, since agriculture required a settled life and stability in life. A sanctuary was dedicated to him at Eleusis, near Athens. Traditionally, for hundreds of years, mysteries took place in this sanctuary - mysterious rites with the participation of only initiates. The first stage of initiation was songs and dances at night on the feast of the Great Eleusis. At the second stage, they gathered in the sanctuary itself, where a dramatic performance was performed about the abduction of the daughter of Demeter by the god of the underworld Hades - Persephone(Cora). It was a symbol of the dying and sprouting grain, the original act of fertility, the mystery of eternal life. Initiates in cult Demeters were gaining rights to eternal life after death. True, at the same time, the practical Greeks did not forget about the requirements of a pious, virtuous life. TO the Eleusinian mysteries not allowed, for example, those who shed someone's blood. It was also required to fulfill state and public duties. Subsequently, Greater Eleusinia was recognized as a national holiday.
In the archaic era, there was a significant change with the cult of Dionysus, he became the god of vegetation, viticulture and production, he was put on a par with Apollo, he began to personify the ideas of the immortality of the human soul.
Religious and philosophical movement is connected with the cult of Dionysus and Demeter Orphics, which was supposedly laid by the mythical singer Orpheus, the son of the god of the rivers Eagra and the muse Calliope. The myth tells of the death of his wife Eurydice, who was bitten by a snake. Wanting to bring his beloved woman back to life, Orpheus descended into the underworld. By playing the kifri and singing, he charmed the guardian of the underworld Kerberos, as well as Persephene. Orpheus was allowed to take the woman with him. But he, leading her upstairs, must not look back. But curiosity overcame him, he did look back (not at the beautiful Persofene?) and lost Eurydice. But Orpheus acquired knowledge about the soul. He told people that the soul is the beginning of goodness, part of the deity, and the body is the secret of the soul. After the release of the soul from the mortal body, it continues to exist, reincarnates. Orpheus is even credited with the doctrine of metempsychosis - the transmigration of the soul from one body to another.
Doctrine Orphics in the next it was perceived by philosophers (Neoplatonists) and Christian theologians.
In characterizing the mythology of the archaic era, we must pay attention to its connection with philosophy, as has just been discovered when considering the ancient Greek doctrine of immortal soul. The mythological, magnificently described ancient Greek religion did not have time to gain frozen dogmatic forms, as it was, for example, in Judaism. She did not have time to sharply isolate herself from philosophy and from science in general. The priesthood was not formed social group, did not become cast. Rational thinking, which became an essential feature of the culture of that period, did not pass through religious thought and was present in mythology. So philosophical, scientific and religious thinking went side by side. Sometimes they interfered with each other, sometimes they complemented each other. It was a single stream spiritual development, which crystallized in the rich spiritual culture of the ancient Greeks.
Greek religion and religious holidays
A peninsula in northeastern Greece, the eastern ledge of the peninsula of Halkidiki, which extends far into the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea, approximately 80 km long and about 12 km wide, is called Holy Mount Athos. It is a mountainous area covered with forest and numerous rocky ravines. The southeastern part of the Holy Mountain is occupied by Mount Athos, which has raised its peak to 2033 m above sea level.
Vacation in Greece. Hitchhiking in Greece: is it real?
Hitchhiking in Greece is very interesting way trips. The opportunity to see new countries with a minimum of costs and things will allow you to get new impressions, get acquainted with interesting people to see life in all its versatility.
Unusual ancient Greek Acropolis
In the center of the most ancient part of the capital of Greece, Athens, there is a rocky, steep hill rising above the city to a height of more than 130 m. The first settlements on this hill date back to the Stone Age, i.e. several millennia BC, the present era. During the period of the so-called Mycenaean culture, in the second millennium BC, a fortress was erected here.
Historical heritage of ancient Macedonia
Imagine the majestic building of the ancient Greek amphitheater ... A festive procession dedicated to the wedding of Cleopatra, the daughter of the Macedonian king Philip II and the king of Epirus Alexander. Hundreds of people, who had taken their seats still dark, at dawn suddenly witnessed an amazing and terrible picture: 12 statues of the main Olympic gods, skillfully made by the best architects of Greece, solemnly appeared on the square.
Greek mythology conditionally divided into two large sections: the deeds of the gods and the adventures of heroes. It should be noted that even despite the fact that they very often intersect, the line is drawn quite clearly and the child is able to notice it as well. The gods very often turn to the heroes for help, and the heroes, having the essence of demigods or titans, get out of certain situations in every possible way, creating positive stereotypes and doing good.
Greek mythology in the names of the gods
As always, the god of thunder sits at the top of the pantheon, who, nevertheless, is not the progenitor of all things, but only the heir. This is one of the distinguishing features pagan beliefs from monotheistic, and this fact is clearly permeated by the whole of Greek mythology. Gods who are not creators and creators, but only representing immortal beings, feeding their power with the worship and faith of people. The father and mother of all things were the ancestors of the parents of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades - the mother earth Gaia and the father sky Ouranos. They gave birth to gods and titans, among whom was the strongest - Kronos. Greek mythology ascribes supreme power and strength to him, but, nevertheless, having matured, Zeus overthrew his father and himself took his throne, dividing the Earth between the brothers: Poseidon - water spaces, Hades - the underworld, and he himself became the supreme thunder god and married Hera.
The next and intermediate step between the gods and people are various Greek mythology gave rise to Pegasus, Sirens, Minotaurs, Centaurs, Satyrs, Nymphs and many other creatures who, to one degree or another, possessed certain mystical powers. For example, Pegasus - could fly and became attached to only one person, and the sirens had the art of casting illusory spells. Moreover, most of these creatures in Greek mythology were endowed with reason and consciousness, sometimes much higher than that of an ordinary person.
And those who were people, but had at least a drop of divine blood in themselves, were called
heroes and demigods. Since they, possessing the power of the god-father, nevertheless remained mortal and very often opposed higher powers. One of the brightest heroes was Hercules, who became famous for his exploits, such as killing the hydra, Antaeus, and so on. You can always read more details in any book marked "Greek Mythology". The names of such heroes as Hector, Paris, Achilles, Jason, Orpheus, Odysseus and others, not only went down in history, they remained on everyone's lips to this day, like living proverbs and examples of how to behave in one or another a different situation.
indirect characters
There were also those who were neither gods nor heroes. These were ordinary people who accomplished feats of such magnitude that their deeds went down in history and are passed from mouth to mouth to this day. The wings of Daedalus and the arrogant stupidity of his son Icarus have become an instructive parable. The senseless and bloody victories of King Pyrrhus in the wars served as the basis for the saying "Pyrrhic victory", which takes its origins in his own words: "Another such victory and I will not have an army!".
Gods of Olympus Ancient Greece
The names of the ancient Greek gods that are on everyone's lips - Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hephaestus - are actually the descendants of the main celestials - the titans. Having defeated them, the younger gods, led by Zeus, became the inhabitants of Mount Olympus. The Greeks worshiped, revered and paid tribute to the 12 gods of Olympus, who personified in Ancient Greece elements, virtue or the most important spheres of social and cultural life.
Worshiped Ancient Greeks and Hades, but he did not live on Olympus, but lived underground, in the kingdom of the dead.
Who is more important? Gods of Ancient Greece
They got along well with each other, but sometimes there were skirmishes between them. From their life, which is described in ancient Greek treatises, the legends and myths of this country appeared. Among the celestials were those who occupied the high steps of the podium, while others were content with glory, being at the feet of the rulers. The list of the gods of Olympia is as follows:
Zeus.
Gera.
Hephaestus.
Athena.
Poseidon.
Apollo.
Artemis.
Ares.
Demeter.
Hermes.
Aphrodite.
Hestia.
Zeus- the most important of all. He is the king of all gods. This Thunderer personifies the endless firmament. Under his leadership lightning. It is this arbiter who distributes good and evil on the planet, the Greeks believed. The son of the Titans married his own sister. Their four children were named Ilithyia, Hebe, Hephaestus and Ares. Zeus is a terrible traitor. He constantly engaged in adultery with other goddesses. He did not neglect the earthly girls either. Zeus had something to surprise them with. He appeared before the Greek women either in the form of rain, or as a swan or a bull. Symbols of Zeus - eagle, thunder, oak.
Poseidon. This god ruled over the sea element. In importance, he was in second place after Zeus. In addition to the oceans, seas and rivers, storms and sea monsters, Poseidon was "responsible" for earthquakes and volcanoes. In ancient Greek mythology, he was the brother of Zeus. Poseidon lived in a palace under water. He rode in a rich chariot drawn by white horses. The trident is the symbol of this Greek god.
Hera. She is the chief of the female goddesses. This celestial patronizes family traditions, marriage and love unions. Hera is jealous. She severely punishes people for adultery.
Apollo is the son of Zeus. He is the twin brother of Artemis. Initially, this god was the personification of light, the sun. But gradually his cult expanded its boundaries. This god has become the patron of the beauty of the soul, skill in art, all that is beautiful. The Muses were under his influence. Before the Greeks, he appeared in a rather refined image of a man with aristocratic features. Apollo played music beautifully. He was engaged in healing and divination. He is the father of the god Asclepius, the patron saint of doctors. At one time, Apollo destroyed the terrible monster that occupied Delphi. For this he was exiled for as much as 8 years. Later, he created his oracle, the symbol of which was the laurel.
Without Artemis The ancient Greeks did not imagine hunting. The patroness of forests personifies fertility, birth and high relations between the sexes.
Athena. Everything related to wisdom, spiritual beauty and harmony is under the auspices of this goddess. She is a great inventor, lover of science and art. Craftsmen and farmers obey her. Athena "gives the green light" to the construction of cities and buildings. Thanks to her, state life flows smoothly. This goddess is called upon to protect the walls of fortresses and castles.
Hermes. This ancient Greek god is quite mischievous and has earned the fame of a fidget. Hermes patronizes travelers and merchants. He is also the messenger of the gods on earth. It was on his heels that the lovely wings shone for the first time. The Greeks attribute traits of resourcefulness to Hermes. He is cunning, smart and knows all foreign languages. When Hermes stole ten cows from Apollo, he earned his wrath. But he was forgiven, because Apollo was captivated by the invention of Hermes - the lyre, which he presented to the god of beauty.
Ares. This god personifies war and everything connected with it. All kinds of battles and battles - under the representation of Ares. He is always young, strong and handsome. The Greeks portrayed him as powerful and warlike.
Aphrodite. She is the goddess of love and sensuality. Aphrodite constantly incites her son Eros to shoot arrows that kindle the fire of love in the hearts of people. Eros is the prototype of the Roman Cupid, a boy with a bow and a quiver.
Hymen- the god of marriage. Its bonds bind the hearts of people who met and fell in love at first sight. Ancient Greek wedding chants were called "hymens".
Hephaestus God of volcanoes and fire. Under his patronage are potters and blacksmiths. This is a hardworking and kind god. His fate was not very good. From birth, he limped because his mother Hera threw him off Mount Olympus. Hephaestus was in the upbringing of the goddesses - the queens of the sea. On Olympus he returned and generously endowed Achilles, presenting him with a shield, and Helios with a chariot.
Demeter. She personifies the forces of nature that people have conquered. This is agriculture. Under the vigilant control of Demeter is the whole life of a person - from birth to death.
Hestia. This goddess patronizes family ties, guards the hearth and comfort. The Greeks took care of the offerings to Hestia by setting up altars in their homes. All residents of one city are one big community-family, the Greeks are sure. Even in the main city building there was a symbol of Hestia's sacrifices.
Hades- Ruler of the realm of the dead. In his underworld, dark creatures, gloomy shadows, demonic monsters rejoice. Hades is one of the most powerful gods. He moved around the kingdom of Hades in a chariot made of gold. His horses are black. Hades - owns untold wealth. All gems, ores that are enclosed in the depths, belong to him. The Greeks feared him more than fire and even Zeus himself.
Except 12 gods of Olympus and Hades, the Greeks still have a lot of gods and even demigods. All of them are descendants and brothers of the main celestials. Each of them has its own legends or myths.
