Olympic gods. Who was worshiped in ancient Greece?

Ancient Greek culture is the cradle of the civilization of the whole world. It is based on a multitude of complex intertwining arts, wars, coups and, most importantly, religious beliefs embodied in myths and legends. The main heroes of the ancient tales are the Olympic gods, strong and powerful, but at the same time endowed with the appearance and the characters of mere mortals. They are the patrons of the most important spheres of life of people, but they do not bring spiritual and moral values to the people. For them, there is no concept of "sin" and "conscience," the gods themselves often violate 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 Olympic gods, whose history of reign has 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 the thunderer of Zeus. He was considered the patron of the sky, lightning and thunder. His symbol was the eagle - a royal and proud bird. The way of Zeus was difficult when climbing 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 the Crohn, which he could only do after years of struggle. The victory went to Zeus at a heavy price, on his side were Olympic gods, titans, cyclops. The result of a decade-long confrontation was the overthrow of the Crown in the infernal abyss 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 had to obey his authority. Poseidon was considered the patron of the sea abysses and fishing. His symbol was a trident.

Among the goddesses undoubted queen was Hera, sister and wife of Zeus. According to mythology, she was extremely jealous. Heru was considered the patroness of legal marriage, motherhood and all women. Her most honored 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 lowest qualities, often acted on the side of evil forces and was distinguished by an unprecedented 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 obtaining fame and respect from the ancient Greeks. In addition to the ugly appearance, he had physical injuries. According to legend, his mother threw him from Olympus, and Hephaestus remained lame. He was accepted to worship as a blacksmith, a patron of crafts. The wife of Hephaestus was the most beautiful of the goddesses - the guardian of Aphrodite's love.

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 fascinated by it.

Not all the children of Zeus were given to him by the Hero. A lot of them were generated by nymphs and other mythical creatures. Such, of course, belongs to one of the greatest patrons of ancient Greece - the wisest Athena - the goddess-warrior, patronizing fair and fair struggle. 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. Apollo protects the sun and sunlight. His sister Artemis reigned over the moon. She was the goddess of hunting, fertility and animals.

God of cunning and cheats Hermes is the son of Zeus and the nymph. He was considered the patron of all travelers. Hestia is the chaste goddess of the home and family. Demeter - sister of Zeus and daughter of Crohn - took care of nature and fertility.

List of deities of Ancient Greece can be listed for a very long time. Undoubtedly, the listed Olympic gods are the most famous of those immortalized in world history. The glory of them was preserved not only in legends and myths, but also found expression in modern culture.