Greek mythology is the collection of legends that originated with the ancient Greeks. The tales tell of relationships and adventures involving the Greek gods, classical heroes and mortal beings. The legends explore the origins of the world and ancient Greek customs, social practices, beliefs and rituals. The tales were originally passed on through oral tradition but they have reached us today through the surviving Greek literature. The earliest examples are Homer's epics The Iliad and The Odyssey.
12 Gods of Olympus
- Zeus - Supreme Lord of Gods
- Aphrodite - Goddess of love
- Apollo - God of Sun and Light
- Artemis - Goddess of Wildlife
- Athena - Goddess of Wisdom
- Demeter - Goddess of Agriculture
- Hera - Protector of marriage
- Hermes - God of Business
- Hestia - Goddess of Homelife
- Hephaestus - God of the Forge
- Poseidon - God of the Sea
- Ares - Dark God of War
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
The ancient Greeks were polytheistic, which means they believed in more than one godHistory Link: Introduction to Greek Mythology
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Fact:
Zeus was the ruler of the Greek gods, his symbol was the thunderboltGreek Mythology: Zeus
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Fact:
The dates during which Homer is believed to have lived are conflicting Loggia: Greek Mytholgogy
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Fact:
Though Homer is believed to have authored The Iliad and The Odyssey it is not known for certainAncient Greece: Homer
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Fact:
Nothing is known about Homer's life
