Ancient Greek culture is the cradle of civilization around the world. It is based on many complex interweavings of art, wars, upheavals and, most importantly, religious beliefs embodied in myths and legends. The main characters of ancient legends are the Olympian gods, strong and powerful, but at the same time endowed with the appearance and characters of mere mortals. They are the patrons of the most important life spheres of people, but at the same time they do not bring spiritual and moral values to the people. For them, there are no concepts of "sin" and "conscience", the celestials themselves often violate the existing rules. In total, in ancient Greece, there were about fifty gods living on the top of Mount Olympus.
At the heart of the pantheon were 12 Olympian gods, whose reign history found its expression in ancient myths and songs.
These include: Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, Hera, Hestia, Demeter.
The main god is considered to be Zeus the Thunderer. He was considered the patron of the sky,lightning and thunder. Its symbol was an eagle - a regal and proud bird. It was not easy for Zeus to ascend to power.
His mother - the goddess Rhea - hid him from his cruel father on the shores of the island of Crete. To achieve greatness, he had to overthrow Cronus, which he was able to do only after many 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 Kron into the hellish depths 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 deep sea and fishing. His symbol was a 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 basest qualities, often sided with evil forces and was distinguished by unheard-of meanness.
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 respect from the ancient Greeks. In addition to his ugly appearance, he also had physical injuries. According to the legend,his mother threw him off Mount Olympus, and Hephaestus was left lame. It was customary to worship him as a blacksmith god, the patron of crafts. The wife of Hephaestus was the most beautiful of the goddesses - the keeper of love Aphrodite.
She was created from the foam of the sea and, like her, was changeable and playful. Tender and passionate, she defended sensuality, love and beauty. The Olympian gods of Ancient Greece were all fascinated by her.
Not all children of Zeus were given to him by the Hero. Many of them were spawned by nymphs and other mythical creatures. These, of course, include one of the greatest patrons of Ancient Greece - the wisest Athena - the goddess-warrior, patronizing a fair and fair fight.
The powerful Olympian gods are also blood twins Apollo and Artemis. The former is considered the founder of culture and art, often depicted with a lyre or arrows in his hands. Apollo patronizes 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 trickery Hermes is the son of Zeus and a 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 Crone - 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. Their fame was preserved not only in legends and myths, but also found expression in modern culture.culture.
