The names of the Greek gods - the pantheon of the ancient people

The ancient Greeks professed paganism - polytheism, in which they worshiped a large number of gods, each of whom was responsible for some one phenomenon or function.

Greek gods, whose names are familiar to virtually everyone from school, behave like ordinary people with power. They are cunning, weave intrigues and quarrel. Their relationship between themselves is incredibly confusing, so it is so interesting to study the myths dedicated to them.

The supreme god of the ancient Greek pantheon was Zeus, the thrower of lightning, he was in charge of the sky. Almost all the major Olympic gods are children or brothers and sisters, including his wife Hera, who is also his sister, whom he, according to myths, often changes.

Hades, brother of Zeus, manages the underworld, the realm of the dead. With him, his wife Persephone and her mother Demetra is connected with an interesting myth explaining the change of seasons.

Poseidon, brother of Zeus, is the ruler of the seas and oceans, patronizes the sea travelers. It is usually depicted with a trident in his hand.

The names of the Greek gods, who are the children of Zeus, are familiar to almost everyone: Aphrodite, Artemis, Ares, Apollo, Hermes.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, one of the 12 great Olympian gods, was born from sea foam, but, nevertheless, is traditionally considered the daughter of Zeus. It is often mentioned in myths as a secondary participant in the action, but there are also stories dedicated only to it.

Artemis and Apollo, the twins born of the goddess Leto from Zeus, personify the moon and the sun respectively. Artemis, the goddess of hunting, always a young and virgin nature protector, is often depicted with a bow surrounded by animals. The famous Herostratus, wishing to become famous, burned the temple dedicated to Artemis of Ephesus. Apollo also patronized the sciences and the arts, he was also a healer.

Ares - the god of war, on some assumptions had not the Greek, but the Thracian origin, but often he is mentioned as the son of Zeus and Hera. For a while he was the lover of Aphrodite, his sister, their relationship is mentioned in many myths and is the cause of numerous conflicts. Their union spawned six children: Phobos, Deimos, Eros, Anteros, Guimeros and Harmony. Apparently, the names of the Greek gods are reflected in astronomy, but more on this later.

Hermes - the patron of traders and thieves, the son of Zeus and, according to some suggestions, Maya, and on others - Persephone, which was Zeus's niece. The symbols of Hermes are the caduceus and winged sandals, as well as a characteristic helmet, although he is often depicted without him.

Also it is impossible not to mention Athena, which is one of the Olympic gods. She patronized wisdom and knowledge. She was the daughter of Zeus, born of his head.

Another famous goddess, who occupies a significant place in the ancient Greek pantheon, is Demeter, responsible for fertility and agriculture, which is literally the universal mother, and also the sister of Zeus. The names of the Greek gods, in particular Demeter, can be seen even in modern culture, so, the popular name in Russia Dmitry literally means "dedicated to the goddess Demeter."

As already mentioned, the Greek names of the gods, as well as their Roman counterparts, have become widespread in astronomy. Mercury (Hermes), Venus (Aphrodite), Mars (Ares), Jupiter (Zeus), Saturn (Kronos, father of Zeus), Uranus (grandfather of Zeus), Pluto (Poseidon), and satellites of planets and numerous asteroids.

The names of the Greek gods are, without a doubt, known to almost everyone, but not only their names, but their deeds are worthy of study, because they are interesting and entertaining.