Ancient Greek Gods

The ancient Greeks were polytheistic. Greeks gods and mythology are loved by the world, even today. Greek gods may be divided in to three categories; the Titans, who were the elder gods, the Olympians and the lesser gods. Sacrifices were performed to please the gods.

They had more than hundreds of gods to worship of which only a few are listed below:

Titans
The Titans ruled the earth before the Olympians overthrew them. The ruler of the Titans was Cronus who was dethroned by his son Zeus.

Gaea
Gaea was worshipped as the Neolithic earth-mother goddess. She mated with Uranus to create the titans.

Cronus
Cronus was a quite formidable Greek god. He took over power from his father Uranus, by castrating him. Cronus married Rhea and their children were the first of Olympians. It is said that as Cronus feared his overthrowing by his children, he ate them up as they were born.

Prometheus
The wisest titan, was the son of Iapetus. He was the protector of mankind. He was the foreteller of future.

Metis
Metis was the Titaness of the forth day and the planet Mercury. She presided over all wisdom and knowledge. She is the source for Zeus wisdom and she advises Zeus from his belly.

Oceanus
Oceanus is the unending stream of water encircling the world. Together with his wife Tethys , he produced the rivers and the three thousand ocean nymphs.
Themis
Themis, the god of justice and order was the mother of Fates and other seasons.

OLYMPIANS

Zeus
Zeus, the most powerful of the gods, was the lord of the sky and the rain god. He punished all those who lied. He was married to Hetis and Hera. Thunderbolt was his weapon and he would hurl it to bring order. Zeus had a love for other women and his power made it difficult for women to resist.

Hera
Hera was the queen as she was the wife of Zeus. She was the protector of marriage, children and home. Hera was both wife and sister to Zeus, but was raised by the Titans Greek god Oceanus and Tethys.

Poseidon
Poseidon was the brother of Zeus and the lord of the sea. Poseidon once was in love with Demeter who was a lesser goddess of corn, grain and harvest.

Hades
He was another brother of Zeus. He was the god of underworld and the god of money and wealth. This was because precious metals came from the underworld. He abducted Persephone and took her as wife and made her the queen of underworld.

Athena
Athena was the ancient goddess of the city, and agriculture, and hand crafts. She invented the horse bridle and chariots, the trumpet, flute and rake, the plough and the ship according to Greek mythology. She was the goddess of wisdom.

Aphrodite
The Greek goddess of love and desire and had relationships with men and gods. To the war god Ares, she was irresistible.

Apollo
The son of Zeus was the god of music, light and the sun. He was also the god of healing.

THE LESSER GODS
Demeter
Demeter is the goddess of corn, grain, and the harvest. She is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She is associated with the seasons. Demeter is also known for founding the Eleusinian mysteries.

Eros
Eros, son of Aphrodite was the goddess of youth. He is also the god of love. His weapon is darts or arrows.

Dionysus
Dionysus is the god of the vine. He invented wine and spread the art of tending grapes. He has a dual nature. He brought both joy and rage.

Ancient Greek Life History / Ancient Greece Facts for Kids

We owe a lot to Ancient Greek Civilization. History of ancient Greece is a fascinating. On this site, we have given information on various ancient Greek life aspects - Arts, Boys and Girls, Architecture, Dancing, Gods, Myths, Medicine, Inventions, Houses, Government, Religions, Wars, Politics, Weapons and ancient Greece Cities.