Ancient Greek culture is the cradle of civilization around the world. It is based on many complex interweaving of art, wars, coups and, most importantly, religious beliefs embodied in myths and legends. The main characters of ancient legends are the Olympic gods, strong and powerful, but at the same time endowed with the appearance and characters of ordinary mortals. They are patrons of the most important spheres of life of people, but at the same time they do not carry spiritual and moral values to the people. For them, the concepts of “sin” and “conscience” do not exist; celestials themselves often violate existing rules. All in ancient Greece, there were about fifty gods living on the top of Mount Olympus.
The pantheon was based on 12 Olympic gods, the history of whose rule found expression in ancient myths and songs.
These include: Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, Hera, Hestia, Demeter.
Thunder of Zeus is considered to be the main god. He was considered the patron saint of heaven, lightning and thunder. Its symbol was an eagle - a royal and proud bird. It was not an easy way for Zeus to ascend to power.
His mother, the goddess Rhea, hid him from a cruel father on the shores of Crete. To achieve greatness, he had to overthrow Crohn, which he could only do after years of struggle. The victory went to Zeus at a heavy price, on his side were the Olympic gods, titans, cyclops. The result of a ten-year confrontation was the overthrow of Crohn into the infernal abysses of Tartarus. Power throughout the world was divided between Zeus and his two brothers: Hades and Poseidon.
The latter was not inferior to the Thunderer in power, although he was forced to obey his authority. Poseidon was considered the patron saint of the deeps and fisheries. His symbol was the trident.
Among the goddesses, the undoubted queen was Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. According to mythology, she was extremely jealous. Hera was considered the patroness of legal marriage, motherhood and all women. Her most revered children were Ares and Hermes.
The first was considered the god of war and bloody battles. Often portrayed as a strong and handsome man, he was endowed with the most base qualities, often acted on the side of evil forces and was distinguished by an unheard of vileness.
The second son of Hera - Hermes - was conceived by her without the participation of Zeus. Unlike other deities, his appearance was repulsively ugly, which did not prevent him from gaining fame and reverence from the ancient Greeks. In addition to the ugly appearance, he also had physical injuries. According to legend, his mother threw him from Olympus, and Hephaestus remained lame. He was customary to worship as the blacksmith god, the patron saint of crafts. The wife of Hephaestus was the most beautiful of the goddesses - the guardian of love Aphrodite.
It was created from sea foam and, like her, was changeable and playful. Tender and passionate, she defended sensuality, love and beauty. The Olympic gods of Ancient Greece were all as one enchanted by it.
Not all the children of Zeus were presented to him by the Hero. Many of them were generated by nymphs and other mythical creatures. These, of course, include one of the greatest patrons of ancient Greece - the wisest Athena, a warrior goddess who patronizes fair and just struggle.
The mighty Olympic gods are also the blood twins Apollo and Artemis. The first is considered the founder of culture and art, often depicted with a lyre or arrows in his hands. Patronizes Apollo to the sun and sunlight. His sister Artemis reigned over the moon. She was the goddess of hunting, fertility and animals.
The god of cunning and cheating Hermes is the son of Zeus and the nymph. He was considered the patron saint of all travelers. Hestia is the chaste goddess of the hearth and family. Demeter - the sister of Zeus and the daughter of Crohn - took care of nature and fertility.
The list of deities of Ancient Greece can be listed for a very long time. Of course, the listed Olympic gods are the most famous of those immortalized in world history. The fame about them was preserved not only in legends and myths, but also found expression in modern culture.
