The Olympians of Greek mythology are important figures in ancient myth and religion. Greek myths explain how many things like the changes in seasons happen. The Gods and Goddesses were worshipped for holidays, rituals, and everyday activities. The twelve Olympians are important to the Greek pantheon and in some cases is the Greek Pantheon.

Cronus was the father of three of the most important Olympians. Cronus swallowed his children because he was afraid that they would destroy him. Zeus’ mother tricked Cronus into swallowing a rock instead of Zeus when he was a baby. Zeus grew up to destroy Cronus. After his father was destroyed, Zeus and his brothers drew lots to see how to divide Cronus’ kingdom.

Zeus became the ruler of the Gods. He was lord of the thunderbolt, the rain and the skies. He commanded the thunderbolt as a weapon. Zeus was married to Hera but was notorious for his many affairs.

Poseidon was Zeus’ brother. He was given dominion over the sea. He was worshipped be seamen. His weapon is the trident.

Hades was Zeus’ other brother. He was given dominion over the underworld. He was not the god of the dead but he was the ruler of the dead. In Greek mythology he is the reason for winter or the season in which there is no growth.

Hades kidnapped the earth Goddess’, Demeter, daughter Persephone. While Persephone was in the underworld, the earth began to die. Her mother was too upset to keep all of the plants and the earth growing. She persuaded the Olympians, to force Hades to let Persephone return to the earth. She was only able to return the earth for part of the year. She had eaten some pomegranate seeds in the underworld so she could not leave forever.

Hera was Zeus’ wife. She is known for her jealousy over her husband’s affairs. It seems appropriate that she is the protector of marriage. Her sacred animal is the cow.

Hestia is one of the virgin goddesses. She is the goddess of the hearth and home. Ancient cities would keep a fire burning in the city to honor her.

Two of the Gods are the children of Zeus and Hera. Ares is the God of war. Hephaestus is the lord of blacksmiths. He makes all of the armor for the Gods.

Athena was the favorite child of Zeus. Zeus swallowed her mother, Metis, who was the Titan Goddess of wisdom. Athena sprang fully armed from Zeus forehead. She is the Goddess of war, wisdom, and crafts.

Apollo and Artemis were the children of Zeus and Leto. Apollo is the God of music. His oracle at Delphi is famous. Artemis is Apollo’s twin sister. She is the huntress and the Goddess of chastity.

Aphrodite is the Goddess of love. She is the wife of Hephaestus. Eros or Cupid is her son. Hermes is the messenger of the God’s especially Zeus. He is also the guide to the dead.

The Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus were and still are worshipped and honored by Greeks and other Pagans. The myths of the Gods are taught in schools. Archaeologists still excavate ancient Greek sites.