Gods

Gigantomachy

Division of the World Table of Contents Zeus and his brothers, who, having gained a complete victory over their enemies, began to consider how the world, which they had conquered, should be divided between them. At last it was settled…
Read more: Gigantomachy
Helios (Sol)

The worship of Helios was introduced into Greece from Asia. According to the earliest conceptions of the Greeks he was not only the sun-god, but also the personification of life and all life-giving power, for light is well known to…
Read more: Helios (Sol)
Hephestus

God of Fire Table of Contents Hephæstus, the son of Zeus and Hera, was the god of fire in its beneficial aspect, and the presiding deity over all workmanship accomplished by means of this useful element. He was universally honoured,…
Read more: Hephestus
Hera

Wife of Zeus Table of Contents HERA, being the principal wife of Zeus and queen of heaven. In the union of Zeus with most of his immortal wives we shall find that an allegorical meaning is conveyed. His marriage with…
Read more: Hera
Hermes (Mercury)

Messenger of Gods Table of Contents Hermes was the swift-footed messenger, and trusted ambassador of all the gods, and conductor of shades to Hades. He presided over the rearing and education of the young, and encouraged gymnastic exercises and athletic…
Read more: Hermes (Mercury)
Hestia (Vesta)

Hestia was the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She was the goddess of Fire in its first application to the wants of mankind, hence she was essentially the presiding deity of the domestic hearth and the guardian spirit of man,…
Read more: Hestia (Vesta)
Nike

Goddess of Victory Table of Contents Nike, the goddess of victory, was the daughter of the Titan Pallas, and of Styx, the presiding nymph of the river of that name in the lower world. In her statues, Nike somewhat resembles…
Read more: Nike
Pan

God of Fertility Table of Contents Pan (or Panas) was the god of fertility, and the special patron of shepherds and huntsmen; he presided over all rural occupations, was chief of the Satyrs, and head of all rural divinities. According…
Read more: Pan
Poseidon

God of the Sea Table of Contents Poseidon was the son of Kronos and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus. He was god of the sea, more particularly of the Mediterranean, and, like the element over which he presided, was…
Read more: Poseidon
Priapus

Priapus, the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, was regarded as the god of fruitfulness, the protector of flocks, sheep, goats, bees, the fruit of the vine, and all garden produce. His statues, which were set up in gardens and vineyards,…
Read more: Priapus