Ideology > Twelve Olympians

Twelve Olympians

Background

The Twelve Olympians are the major deities of the Greek pantheon who resided on Mount Olympus. These gods and goddesses were considered the principal figures in Greek mythology, each presiding over different aspects of the world and human life. Here are the Twelve Olympians, along with their domains and key attributes:

1. Zeus

Domain: King of the gods, sky, thunder, law, order, and justice.
Attributes: Thunderbolt, eagle, oak tree, and aegis (a protective cloak or shield).

2. Hera

Domain: Queen of the gods, marriage, women, childbirth, and family.
Attributes: Peacock, cow, wedding ring, and diadem.

3. Poseidon

Domain: God of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses.
Attributes: Trident, horse, dolphin, and bull.

4. Demeter

Domain: Goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, and the earth.
Attributes: Sheaf of wheat, torch, cornucopia, and poppy.

5. Athena

Domain: Goddess of wisdom, war strategy, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.
Attributes: Owl, olive tree, shield (Aegis), and helmet.

6. Apollo

Domain: God of the sun, light, music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and archery.
Attributes: Lyre, laurel wreath, bow and arrows, and the sun chariot.

7. Artemis

Domain: Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, moon, and archery.
Attributes: Bow and arrows, deer, cypress tree, and moon.

8. Ares

Domain: God of war, violence, and bloodshed.
Attributes: Spear, helmet, dog, vulture, and boar.

9. Aphrodite

Domain: Goddess of love, beauty, desire, and fertility.
Attributes: Rose, dove, swan, myrtle, and apple.

10. Hephaestus

Domain: God of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges, and sculpture.
Attributes: Anvil, hammer, tongs, and quail.

11. Hermes

Domain: God of travel, trade, thieves, sports, and border crossings. Messenger of the gods.
Attributes: Winged sandals, caduceus (staff with two snakes), and winged helmet.

12. Hestia

Domain: Goddess of the hearth, home, and domestic life.
Attributes: Hearth, flame, and kettle.

Hades and Dionysus

Hades: Although not traditionally considered one of the Twelve Olympians, Hades, the god of the underworld, is sometimes included in lists replacing Hestia, particularly in later traditions.
Dionysus: In some accounts, Dionysus, the god of wine, pleasure, festivity, and ecstasy, replaces Hestia as one of the Twelve Olympians. His attributes include the grapevine, ivy, cup, and thyrsus (a pine-cone-tipped staff).

Summary

The Twelve Olympians are the primary deities in Greek mythology, each overseeing different aspects of the world and human life. They resided on Mount Olympus and played central roles in Greek religion, mythology, and cultural practices. These gods and goddesses were worshipped and revered throughout ancient Greece, and their myths have profoundly influenced Western culture and literature.