Achelois (pronounced “A-khe-LO-ees”) was a minor Greek goddess from ancient times. She was one of the deities, many of them female, identified with the moon and its monthly cycle. Achelois has been translated in English as “she who washes away pain”, and she was often looked to … [Read more...]
Achilles
Achilles was a Greek hero, most famous for his part in the Trojan War. He was the son of Thetis and Peleus, the king of Myrmidons. Poseidon and Zeus were in love with Thetis, but Prometheus warned them of a prophecy that said that the son of Thetis would become greater than … [Read more...]
Adonis
Greek God of beauty and desire Adonis was the god of beauty and desire in Greek mythology. He was originally worshipped in Phoenicia (which is now the modern-day Lebanon) but he was adopted by the Greeks later. He was the son of Theias, the king of Syria. His mother was … [Read more...]
Adventures of Theseus
According to Greek mythology, Theseus was the son of Aethra, yet his father was unknown. At the time, Aethra supposedly had two suitors; King Aegeus of Athens, and Poseidon, God of the Sea. King Aegeus assumed the child was his own, and in the months preceding the birth of … [Read more...]
Aether
Aether, sometimes also spelled Aither, was a primordial god of light. He was also the god of the sky, which the ancient Greeks considered to be "blue ether" that represented heaven. Aether's mists were able to fill the space between the transparent mists on the ground and the … [Read more...]
Alastor
God of Justice, Retribution, and Blood Feuds Alastor often refers to a concept or different people. A specialist in Greek grammar and a dictionary compiler claimed that Alastor was a nickname Zeus used to describe himself as the avenger of evil deeds. Zeus was the Olympian god … [Read more...]
Alectrona
Goddess of Sun and Morning. Alectrona (also known as Electryone or Electryo) was the greek goddess of the sun. It is thought that she might have also been the goddess of morning or 'waking from slumber'. Some believed wholeheartedly that she was the cause of men waking from … [Read more...]
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, also known as the King of Macedonia, was a famous Greek king who came to the throne in the year 336BC. He is widely regarded as being one of the most successful military commanders in all of history and was responsible for changing the face of the ancient … [Read more...]
Amphitrite
Amphitrite is a minor Greek goddess, one of several who ruled the seas. Originally, she was known as the wife of sea-god Poseidon, but over time, she was set aside as merely his mistress. A beautiful goddess, she was the daughter of Nereus, a minor sea god, and Doris, a sea … [Read more...]
Anemoi
The Anemoi were four Greek gods with a . They were the offspring of Aeolus and Eos. Aeolus was the god of the Winds. Eos, also known as the Dawn Bringer, was a goddess daughter of either a Titan, Pallas Athena, or Nyx. Hesoid, the Greek poet, gives their parentage as Astraeus and … [Read more...]
Apate
In Greek mythology, Apate was the goddess of deceit, a physical embodiment (or living representation) of the concept of deceit. She is the daughter of Nyx, who was the personification of night and also one of the first primordial gods to exist at the beginning of time. Erebos, a … [Read more...]
Aphrodite
Greek Goddess of Love, Beauty & Eternal Youth Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and Beauty and according to Hesiod's Theogony, she was born from the foam in the waters of Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. She supposedly arose from the foam when the Titan Cronus slew his father … [Read more...]
Apollo
God of the Sun, the Light, the Music and Prophecy Apollo is one of the most complex and important gods, and is the god of many things, including: music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge. He is the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and was … [Read more...]
Apollo and Daphne
In Greek Mythology, Apollo was the God of Light, and it was his job to pull the sun across the sky in his 4-horse chariot every day. He has also been referred to as the God of music, poetry, art, medicine, knowledge, plague and archery. Apollo was the son of Zeus (the God of … [Read more...]
Arachne
The Arachne is a creature from Greek mythology, whose name was later used for words like "arachnid" and "arachnophobia." There's very little to fear about the story of Arachne, however. Hers is a cautionary tale about pride that we can all learn from. According to the myth, … [Read more...]
Ares
Greek God of War Ares is the god of war, one of the Twelve Olympian gods and the son of Zeus and Hera. In literature Ares represents the violent and physical untamed aspect of war, which is in contrast to Athena who represents military strategy and generalship as the goddess of … [Read more...]
Artemis
Greek Goddess of the Hunt, Forests and Hills, the Moon, Archery Artemis is known as the goddess of the hunt and is one of the most respected of all the ancient Greek deities. It is thought that her name, and even the goddess herself, may even be pre-Greek. She was the daughter … [Read more...]
Asclepius
In Ancient Greece, Asclepius was a hero and a god of medicine, healing, and doctors. His symbol is a staff -called the Caduceus wand- with a serpent wrapping it around, which is still used today as the symbol of pharmacies. The word "pharmacy" also comes from Greek, meaning … [Read more...]
Athena
Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War Athena, also referred to as Athene, is a very important goddess of many things. She is goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She … [Read more...]
Atlas
In Greek Mythology, Atlas was a Titan who was responsible for bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, a punishment bestowed on him by Zeus. Atlas was given this task in retribution for him leading the Titans into battle, or Titanomachy, against the Olympian Gods for … [Read more...]
Attis
The story of Attis (pronounced /ˈætɪs/; Greek: Ἄττις, also Ἄτυς, Ἄττυς, Ἄττης), god of vegetation, began in Phrygia. His repeated cycle of consuming himself, dying and resurrecting represents the agricultural cycle. Birth The daemon Agdistis is linked to both the … [Read more...]
Aura
Aura was a nymph (minor diety) that appears in both Greek and Roman mythology. She was the daughter of the Titan Lelantos and Periboa. Aura is associated with gentle breezes, especially the cool, fresh winds that occur early in the morning. She was worshiped as part of an ancient … [Read more...]
Bellerophon
Perseus is not the only one to ride the winged horse, Pegasus. Bellerophon (Bellerophontes) is also granted the right to ride the magical steed. Though prophecies and divine intervention abound in this man's life, he still meets a tragic end due to his careless … [Read more...]
Bia
Bia was a Greek goddess personifying force and power. She was the daughter of the Titans Pallas and Styx. Her father, Pallas, was the Titan of battle, while her mother, Styx, was the goddess of the River Styx. Bia had three siblings: Kratos, the god of strength, Nike, the goddess … [Read more...]
Boreas
Boreas was the Greek god of the wind from the north. His name translates directly to "north wind." He was one of four seasonal wind gods. In addition, he was the god of winter. According to mythology, he would sweep down from the Thrake mountains and bring the cold with him, … [Read more...]
Calypso
Calypso is a figure from Greek mythology that has very unclear origins. While it's not completely clear exactly who or what she is, she is perhaps most famous for her role in Homer's Odyssey. Her role in that tale composes one of the more important movements in the book, and is … [Read more...]
Castor
Castor is the twin brother of Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin), a pair of demigods. The two in collective are known as the Dioscuri. The twins feature in a number of myths, crossing paths with other notable figures in Greek Mythology like Jason. A major theme in stories featuring … [Read more...]
Centaurs
In Greek mythology, Centaurs (or Kentauroi) are half-man, half horse creatures that inhabited the mountains and forests of Thessaly. Centaurs were said to be primal, existing in tribes and making their homes in caves, hunting wild animals and arming themselves with rocks and tree … [Read more...]
Cerberus
Cerberus: The three Headed Dog of Greek Mythology There are many unique creatures mentioned in Greek mythology. One of the most well known may be the three-headed dog known as Cerberus. It was the job of Cerberus to guard the entrance to Hades. In Greek mythology, this was the … [Read more...]
Chaos
Chaos was the origin of everything and the very first thing that ever existed. It was a primordial void, which everything was created from including the universe and the Greek Gods. In ancient Greek, Chaos is translated as ‘the gaping void.’ The first deities that emerged from … [Read more...]
Charon
Charon (Kharon) was the ferryman of Hades. Those who passed away would have to cross the rivers Styx and Acheron to reach the underworld, and Charon would take them on this journey. His fee for carrying the dead across the rivers to the underworld was a single coin, usually an … [Read more...]
Chimaera
Chimaera - A Fire-Breathing Monster Chimaera has become one of the most famous female monsters described in Greek mythology. An aura of mystery has always surrounded this creature. (Even today, the name "chimaera" sometimes refers to a genetic puzzle.) Greek sailors … [Read more...]
Circe
In Greek mythology, Circe was a goddess of magic, though she was sometimes depicted as a nymph (minor nature god), a witch or an enchantress. In any case, she was associated with magic. She knew a lot about potions and herbs, and sometimes used this knowledge against her enemies … [Read more...]
Coeus
According to Greek mythology, Coeus is the Titan God of the North, and the Titan of Resolve and Intelligence as well as the embodiment of the celestial axis around which the heavens revolve. The etymology of Coeus’ name provided scholars to theorise that he was also the God of … [Read more...]
Crius
Hesiod, the Greek historian, names Crius as one of the Titans born from Uranus and Gaia. Little is known about Crius, he was one of the Titans overthrown in the Titanomachy and was the father of Perses and the grandfather of Hecate. He is known as the Titan God of heavenly … [Read more...]
Cronus
Cronus is possibly the most famous of the Titans as he was the King and leader of his brothers fighting against Uranus and eventually the Olympian Gods. Born of Uranus and Gaia, he was the wiliest and youngest of their offspring and perhaps the most powerful. Cronus would gain by … [Read more...]
Cupid
If you mention 'Cupid' to just about anybody, they will tell you he is the God of Love, but how much do we really know that is fact rather than fiction. Who is Cupid In Latin, Cupid goes by two names that have different origins, but whose meanings are both associated with love. … [Read more...]
Cyclops
The Cyclops were giant; one-eyed monsters; a wild race of lawless creatures who possess neither social manners nor fear of the Gods. Cyclopes means ‘round eye.’ Considered the sons of Uranus and Gaea they were the workmen of the God Hephaestus whose workshop was in the heart of … [Read more...]
Daedalus
Daedalus was well known as a genius inventor in Greek mythology and he is both a central part of several myths as well as a side character in a few others. He is perhaps best known for two things, though - he is both the architect behind the Labyrinth and the father of the tragic … [Read more...]
Deimos
The Greek God of Fear and Panic In Greek mythology, Deimos is the son of Ares and Aphrodite and the brother of Phobos. While his brother is the personification of fear and panic, Deimos is the personification of dread and terror. The Roman version of him was called Metus or … [Read more...]
Demeter
Greek Goddess of Agriculture, Fertility, Sacred Law and the Harvest Demeter is the goddess of the harvest and presides over grains and the fertility of the earth. Although she was most often referred to as the goddess of the harvest, she was also goddess of sacred law and the … [Read more...]
Diana
Like her Greek counterpart, Artemis, Diana was the goddess of the hunt. The daughter of the Roman god Jupiter and his mistress, Latona, Diana was born on the island of Delos with her twin brother, Apollo, the god of light. Although primarily associated with hunting, Diana was … [Read more...]
Dionysus
Greek God of Wine & the Grape Harvest Dionysus was the ancient Greek god of wine, winemaking, grape cultivation, fertility, ritual madness, theater, and religious ecstasy. His Roman name was Bacchus. He may have been worshiped as early as 1500-11000 BCE by Mycenean Greeks. … [Read more...]
Echidna
Echidna the She-Viper - Mother of Monsters Echidna is a somewhat obscure, but nevertheless fearsome monster in Greek mythology. Homer’s The Iliad and Hesiod’s poem Theogony are some of the oldest writings to feature her, and have therefore been influential in shaping Echidna’s … [Read more...]
Eileithyia
In Greek mythology, Eileithyia (or Ilithyia) was the goddess of childbirth who held the cow and the peacock as sacred animals. She was the daughter of Zeus, the king of all the other gods, and Hera, Zeus's seventh and last wife, who was also his sister. Eileithyia was born in a … [Read more...]
Enyo
In ancient Greek mythology, Enyo was the goddess of war and destruction. She is connected with Ares who was the war god. Enyo was usually shown as the sister and companion for Ares the God of war. Sometimes she was called the "Sister of War" or the "Sacker of Cities." Her role … [Read more...]
Eos
Eos is a Greek goddess who shows up more often in literature, such as the Odyssey, than in actual religious practice. She remains reasonably famous in spite of that fact, mostly because one of her main myths was popular in Athens, which left more written records than most other … [Read more...]
Eris
In every family, there's always someone who starts up a bunch of drama. In the family of the Greek gods, that would be Eris. Eris was the goddess of conflict and dispute, which is basically like being the goddess of pointless arguments that end in fistfights -- or even entire … [Read more...]
Eros
Eros was the Greek god of Love, in some stories he first appears as a primordial god, born from Chaos and in others he is the son of Aphrodite. In the primordial myths, according to Hesiod, Eros was born from Chaos after Gaia and Tartarus and was involved at the beginning of … [Read more...]
Gaea
In Greek mythology, Gaea (or Gaia), the primordial earth or mother goddess was one of the deities who governed the universe before the Titans existed. In the creation myth, Chaos came before everything else. He was made of Void, Mass and Darkness in confusion; and then earth … [Read more...]
Geras
Geras was the Greek god of Aging. He was a brother to the goddess Philotes and had the same parents, Erebus and Nyx. Geras made his home in the Underworld, hanging out with other minor gods and goddesses such as Luctus or Grief, and Metus (Fear.) The Greek playwright, … [Read more...]
Hades
Greek God of the Dead and King of the Underworld Hades was the god of the underworld and the name eventually came to also describe the home of the dead as well. He was the oldest male child of Cronus and Rhea. Hades and his brothers Zeus and Poseidon defeated their father and … [Read more...]
Harmonia
Harmonia was the goddess of harmony and concord. In most myths, she is the daughter of Aphrodite and Ares, but in some accounts she is the daughter of Zeus and Elektra. She wed the King of Thebes, Cadmus, and was given a cursed necklace as a wedding gift. The gift would … [Read more...]
Harpies
The Harpies were mythical monsters in Greek mythology that had the form of a bird with a human female face; often agents of punishment they abducted people and tortured them on their way to Hades’ domain, employed by the God as instruments for the punishment of the guilty. They … [Read more...]
Hebe – The Goddess Of Youth
Among the Greek Gods, Hebe is one that most of us could fall in love with. The fair-skinned and youthful looking God is appropriately the God of youthfulness. She is a daughter of Zeus and Hera. While many have searched for the Fountain of Youth for many centuries, the Greeks … [Read more...]
Helios
Helios, the Sun God A handsome Titan with flowing hair, driving a golden chariot pulled by four fiery steeds across the sky. That was the image that would come to the minds of ancient Greeks when they thought of Helios. To them, he was the representation of the sun and sunlight, … [Read more...]
Hemera
Hemera was the goddess of day. She was listed among the first gods, the generations before the Titans and Olympians. Three different versions of her family tree exist in ancient writings. According to Hesiod's Theogony, the narrative detailing the genealogy of the gods, Hemera … [Read more...]
Hephaestus
Greek God of Fire and Metalworking Hephaestus was the god of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges and the art of sculpture. He was the son of Zeus and Hera and married to Aphrodite by Zeus to prevent a war of the gods fighting for her hand. He was a smithing god, making … [Read more...]
Hera
Greek Goddess of Marriage and Queen of Olympus Hera is the Queen of the Gods and is the wife and sister of Zeus in the Olympian pantheon. She is known for being the Goddess of Marriage & Birth. Despite being the Goddess of Marriage, she was known to be jealous and vengeful … [Read more...]
Heracles
Heracles is one of the most recognised and famous of the divine heroes in Greek mythology. The son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, he was considered the greatest of the heroes, a symbol of masculinity, sire of a long line of royal clans and the champion of the Olympian … [Read more...]
Hermes
Greek God of Trade, Eloquence and Messenger of the Gods Hermes was one of the 12 Olympian Gods and was god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld. He was the second youngest Olympian god and was the son of Zeus and Maia, one … [Read more...]
Hestia
Greek Goddess of the Hearth and Domestic Life Hestia was the goddess of the hearth, home, architecture, domesticity, family, and the state. She was one of only three virgin goddesses, next to Athena and Artemis. Although both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry her, Hestia … [Read more...]
Horae
The ancient Greeks used mythology to help describe and explain the world around them, including the strange and interesting ways nature and the climate changed throughout the year. Originally used to represent the changes in the natural world each year, the Horae were a group of … [Read more...]
Hyperion
Hyperion - The Titan God Hyperion is a Titan, one of the old gods who ruled before the Olympians. The god of light, he is the son of Uranus, or heaven and Gaea, or earth. Hyperion in turn is the father of the sun, Helios; the moon, Selene and the dawn, Eos. His wife was Thea, … [Read more...]
Hypnos
In Greek mythology, Hypnos is the god associated with sleep. His mother was Nyx (night) and his father was Erebus (darkness). Even Zeus, the most powerful of the Greek gods, was afraid of entering Nyx's realm because she was such a dreadful and powerful goddess. Hypnos and his … [Read more...]
Icarus
The Tragic Story of Icarus A Cautionary Tale A young man named Icarus holds center stage in a very memorable tale from ancient Greek mythology. Even today, some people recount this story as a cautionary warning. Overconfidence sometimes produces disastrous results! The Son of … [Read more...]
Iris
Goddess of The Rainbow in Greek Mythology A goddess named "Iris" personified the rainbow in the mythology of ancient Greece. Most works of art depict her either in the form of a beautiful rainbow, or as a lovely maiden. She wore wings on her shoulders and usually carried a … [Read more...]
Jason
Jason: A Different Type of Greek Hero Jason's Story There are many heroes, foes, and gods in Greek mythology. Some of the most recognized names are Zeus and Hera. Of course, there is also Hades, the god in charge of the underworld. Perhaps one of the most famous figures in … [Read more...]
Juno
In Ancient Roman mythology, the goddess, Juno, held a significant and powerful role among the gods and the people of Rome. She was the daughter of Saturn and married her twin brother, Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder, but was also more importantly known as the king of … [Read more...]
Jupiter
Jupiter, the Roman King of the Gods In terms of Roman mythology, the god Jupiter is the king. In fact, he is often referred to as the king of the gods. He may not be the original creator of the mythological creatures that dominated tales and lore; that distinction belongs to his … [Read more...]
Keres
The Keres were female spirits, the daughters of Nyx, the goddess of night. They were not peaceful creatures, but demons, and their presences meant a violent death. In fact, their name comes from the Greek word "ker," which means doom. It was believed that during a battle, the … [Read more...]
King Midas
Midas was a king who reigned in Macedonian Bromium in what is now modern day Turkey. The people he ruled over were called the Brigians or the Moschians. He was the son of the goddess Ida and an unnamed satyr and loved pleasure and wealth. When he was a baby, ants would climb up … [Read more...]
Kratos
Kratos is an interesting figure in Greek mythology. It is largely agreed that he is a god of strength and power, but there are conflicting stories about almost everything else about him. There are two competing versions of his parentage, each of which changes his relation to the … [Read more...]
Mars
Roman God of War - Mars Religion was an important part of daily life in Rome. It helped Romans make sense of good and bad things that happened. If terrible things like natural disasters or battle losses occurred, Romans believed it was evidence that the Gods were unhappy with … [Read more...]
Medea
Medea is the daughter of King Aeetes of Colchis. She is a sorceress who marries the hero Jason. She is the title character of the play written by Euripides. Medea is an enchantress, and is sometimes seen as a priestess of the goddess Hecate. Medea saw Jason after he arrived … [Read more...]
Medusa
One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology, Medusa was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. She went against her vow and married him. For this Athena punished … [Read more...]
Meleager
In Greek mythology, Meleager was a heroic figure from Calydon in Aetolia. His father was King Oeneus and his mother was Queen Althaea. He had a number of brothers and sisters, including Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and Gorge. According to some versions of his story, his father was … [Read more...]
Minerva
Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom. She was also the goddess of trade, the arts, and strategy in war. Her domains included medicine, poetry, and handicrafts as well. She was in charge of so many things that Ovid called her the "goddess of a thousand works"! Minerva was … [Read more...]
Minotaur
The tale of the Minotaur is one of the classics of Greek mythology and contains an extraordinary number of important elements. Characters like the brilliant Daedalus, strong Theseus, evil King Minos and his beautiful daughter Ariadne all make an appearance in this story. The … [Read more...]
Momos
Momus was the god of many things including satire, mockery, poets, writers, blame, and criticism. His constant mockery of the Olympians eventually resulted in his exile from Mount Olympus by order of Zeus. Momus is said to be the son of Nyx (Night) and Erebus (Darkness). He is … [Read more...]
Momus
Momus was the god of many things including satire, mockery, poets, writers, blame, and criticism. His constant mockery of the Olympians eventually resulted in his exile from Mount Olympus by order of Zeus. Momus is said to be the son of Nyx (Night) and Erebus (Darkness). He is … [Read more...]
Moros
Moros is the Greek God of impending doom. Should any of the humans be in store for an unpleasant fate, it is Moros who leads them there. Often, this means that the human will die or be fiercely injured. It could also mean that the human may lose a family member or loved one. Or, … [Read more...]
Morpheus
Morpheus was known as the god of dreams. He shaped and formed the dreams, through which he could appear to mortals in any form. This talent made Morpheus a messenger of the gods, able to communicate divine messages to sleeping mortals. Though he could take any human form, … [Read more...]
Myths of the Constellations
Since the beginning of time man has looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars. These points of light were once a mystery. Before man discovered all we know today about the stars and planets, they used the constellations to tell a story. Constellations are like a dot … [Read more...]
Nemesis
Nemesis was the ancient Greek goddess of divine retribution. As such, she meted out punishment for evil deeds, undeserved good fortune, and hubris (arrogance before the gods). She was also called Adrasteia, meaning "the inescapable," or the "Goddess of Rhamnous" in recognition of … [Read more...]
Neptune
Neptune is the Roman God of the sea. He is the brother of Pluto and Jupiter.He is very similar to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.Often associated with fresh water, he was first referenced in Roman mythology as being associated with water around 399 BC. Given a name that means … [Read more...]
Nike
In Greek Mythology, Nike was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. Also known as Winged Goddess, Nike is most often pictured as having wings. She was the child of Pallas (Titan) and Styx In most beliefs, Styx is the name of the river that separates Planet Earth from the … [Read more...]
Notus
In ancient Greek, people believed in mythical beings and each aspect of their lives was associated with them. One of the Greek gods was Notus. Notus was known as the god of the south wind. This wind god was also linked to the southwest winds. He was one of the four wind gods who … [Read more...]
Nyx
Nyx is the Greek Goddess of the night, and the daughter of Chaos. She was told to be very beautiful. Her birthplace was not on Earth but in Gaia. She is Primordial God. It is said that she was created near the beginning of time. Her home is in the depths of Hades' underworld. Nyx … [Read more...]
Oceanus
A Legendary Early Greek Titan The ancient Greeks recounted many legends about the earliest rulers of the Earth, a number of gigantic proto-gods called "Titans". The ancient Greeks believed Oceanus, one of the Titans, exercised control over the world's first oceans and … [Read more...]
Odysseus
In Greek mythology, Odysseus is the great-grandson of Hermes, one of the twelve Olympian Gods. He is the son of Laertes, the king of Ithaca, and Anticlea and the husband of Penelope and father of a child named Telemachus. Known for his leadership skills, wit, and intelligence, … [Read more...]
Oneiroi
The Oneiroi were black-winged daimons that personified dreams. Daimons, later called daemons by the Romans, are not to be confused with the evil demons mentioned in the Bible; these were simply gods or spirits that were less powerful than the gods of the Greek pantheon, such as … [Read more...]
Ourea
The Ourea are offspring of the Goddess Gaia. This family line was important in Greek mythology because it explained the outline of natural occurrences on the hills surrounding the isles. Gaia had nine children who were know as the Ourea. They are Aitna, Athos, Helikon, Kithairon, … [Read more...]
Paean
In Greek mythology, Paean was the physician of the Olympian gods. The name came from the Greek root meaning "the healing". In Homer's Illiad, Paean was brought to treat Ares, the god of war, when he was wounded by Diomedes, the hero of the epic. In Homer's other epic, The … [Read more...]
Pallas
Pallas is one of the ancient Greek Titans and he is the son of Crius and Eurybia. He was the Greek god of warcraft. He existed before Zeus as well as the Olympians. Pallas was the brother of the other second generation Titans, Astraeus, and Perses. He was married to Styx (the … [Read more...]
Pan
The culture of Ancient Greece involved a complex spiritual world of major and minor gods that oversaw human events and engaged in dramas of their own. One of these, called Pan, ruled over nature and pasturelands. He is frequently depicted in literature and artworks. Although he … [Read more...]
Pegasus
Pegasus is a mythological creature described as a beautiful, pure white stallion with wings. He was born from the blood of Medusa, a frightful Gorgon whose gaze could turn men to stone, when the hero Perseus decapitated her. His twin brother of Chrysaor, who is depicted as a … [Read more...]
Persephone
Persephone's story actually focuses more on her mother, Demeter, and what happens when Persephone disappears. The young goddess is also the daughter and niece of Zeus, and the wife and niece of Hades when she becomes the queen of the Underworld. Daughter of Demeter Persephone … [Read more...]
Perseus
Perseus was one of the oldest out of all of the Greek mythological heroes. He is best known in Greek mythology as the slayer of Medusa, one of three female creatures, or Gorgons, with hair said to be made of poisonous snakes. Perseus and his origins on Argos Perseus was thought … [Read more...]
Philotes
The Greek goddess Philotes was the daughter of Nyx. According to the Ancient Greek poet Hesiod, Philotes had no father. The Roman writer Hyginus, however, says that Philotes' father was Erebus. Philotes had many siblings, including Hatred, Friendship, Discord and the three … [Read more...]
Phosphorus
In Greek mythology, Phosphorous was the Morning Star, or what we know today as the planet Venus. When the orbit locations of the Earth and Venus are just right, it can be seen an hour before the sun rises in the eastern sky or an hour after the sun sets in the western skies. … [Read more...]
Pluto
Pluto was one of three brothers and two sisters born to the Roman god, Saturn, and his goddess wife, Ops. Upon the death of Saturn and after the defeat of the Titans, the three brothers divided the realms of their father. Jupiter received the sky as his dominion; Neptune, the … [Read more...]
Plutus
Plutus, which is the Latin spelling of Ploutos, is the god of wealth. He was supposedly born on the Greek island of Crete and is the son of a local hero named Iasion and the goddess Demeter, who is the goddess of harvest and fertility. He is often depicted as a boy carrying a … [Read more...]
Pollux
Pollux, also known as Polydeuces in Greek mythology, was one half of Dioscuri with his twin brother Castor. His mother was the princess Leda, whom he shared with Castor. Pollux and Castor had different fathers, though. Castor was the son of King Tyndareus of Sparta, Leda's … [Read more...]
Polyphemus
Cyclopes are the only beasts of the first creation that are not punished by Zeus when he overthrows his father, Cronus. This may have something to do with them being his nephews as sons of Poseidon, and no, there are no female cyclopes. They will eventually become favorites of … [Read more...]
Pontus
Primordial God of the Sea Pontus was born in the void state of Chaos, at a time before anything ever existed. In Chaos, there was nothing at all; though, Chaos can also refer to everything in the space created when the heaven and earth split and became two separate places. That … [Read more...]
Poseidon
Greek God of the Sea Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses and is considered one of the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy Olympian gods. He was known to be vengeful when insulted. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea and was swallowed by his father along … [Read more...]
Priapus
Priapus was a minor god within the Olympian pantheon, known as a god of fertility, gardens and orchards and livestock. Often times, Priapus was a comedic figure in myths and stories about the gods. Origin of Priapus The accounts as to Priapus’ parentage vary from … [Read more...]
Pricus
Who is Pricus in Greek mythology? Constellations are the different groups of stars that are up in the night sky. There are different explanations for these constellations that are seen on a starry night. One of those constellations is Capricorn, which is explained by the story … [Read more...]
Primordial
In the history of Greek gods, there is a group of gods that came before all else. These primordial gods are almost conceptual in nature, representing much vaster domains than those that would come after them. These gods continue to pop up in tale throughout the span of Greek … [Read more...]
Prometheus
The myth of Prometheus explains how human beings first discovered fire, and it is so ancient that it almost certainly predates the Greeks. It happens early in their mythology even by their own standards, because Prometheus lived in the dim times before the Greek gods were first … [Read more...]
Rhea
During ancient times, there were many things people did not understand. For instance, they didn't know why the seasons changed. They didn't know why the winter months were cold and the spring and summer months were warm or hot. Why the sun was out during day time and why the … [Read more...]
Saturn
The Roman god Saturn has a long history and a festival all of his own. The Romans generally borrowed their gods from the ancient Greeks, and almost every Roman god had a Greek counterpart. Saturn's original counterpart in Greece was Cronus. Cronus was a Titan. In Greek … [Read more...]
Scylla
In Greek mythology, Scylla (pronounced "Sill-ah" or "Skee-lah", depending on what country you live in) is a sea monster who lives on the rocks of a narrow water channel opposite of the whirlpool (and originally also a sea monster) Charybdis. Ships caught in between Scylla and … [Read more...]
Selene
Selene - Titan Goddess of the Moon Selene, goddess of the moon, truly represented the moon itself to the Greeks. Although she counts as a goddess in her own right, Selene often gets associated with archer goddess, Artemis, who is also a moon goddess. These two goddesses have … [Read more...]
Sisyphus
Sisyphus was the creator and first king of the city Ephyra (later Corinth). He married the nymph Merope and had four children: Glaucus, Ornytion, Almus and Thersander. Sisyphus helped his city become a commercial hub. He is also rumored to have created the Isthmian Games, a … [Read more...]
Tartarus
Tartarus, A Realm of Punishment Like Mother Earth, Gaea, and Father Sky, Uranus, Tartarus came into existence from the void of Chaos. It was not only a primordial force, but also a place, a deep abyss located far below Hades, where the most wicked were sent after death to suffer … [Read more...]
Thanatos
Thanatos was the Greek god of nonviolent deaths. His name literally translates to "death" in Greek. In some myths, he's considered to be a personified spirit of death rather than a god. The touch of Thanatos was gentle, often compared to the touch of Hypnos, who was the god of … [Read more...]
The Adventures of Perseus
Perseus is one of the most famous heroes of Greek myth. The character is one of the many 'local heroes' of Greece, tied specifically to Argos. Perseus' character isn't quite as violent or complex as those you might see in other myths, but he's interesting nonetheless. Perseus' … [Read more...]
The Amazons
According to Greek Mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of entirely female warriors. It was believed that the Amazons lived in Themiscyra near the Black Sea. This area is now Turkey, Eastern Europe. The Amazons were famous for being all women and for hating men. No men were … [Read more...]
The Argonauts
The Argonauts were a band of heroes united in the common cause of taking the Golden Fleece from Colchis. This was a group of some of the most legendary heroes of all of Greek mythology, one of the few times in the myths where a group of heroes team up to accomplish a goal. The … [Read more...]
The Erinyes
The Erinyes, also spelled Erinys, were three Greek goddesses commonly referred to as the Furies. They were goddesses of retribution and vengeance whose job was to punish men who committed heinous crimes. The Furies tended to judge men who committed murder, perjury, and offenses … [Read more...]
The Graces
The Graces were also known as the Charities, with a singular of Charis, and represented three or more of Greek mythological minor deities or goddesses. It is believed that they were the daughters of Eurynome and Zeus; in some cases they are considered the daughters of Dionysys … [Read more...]
The Muses
The nine Muses were the goddesses the arts. At one point it was believed that there were only three muses, but the currently accepted understanding is that there were nine. Each muse had a different type of art they commanded. Calliope was considered the muse of epic poetry … [Read more...]
The Sirens
The Sirens were creatures that sang beautifully, luring those passing by to their deaths. Each Siren combined the appearance of a woman and a bird, with the exact appearance varying depending on the artist. Some artists drew Sirens that had bodies of birds with the heads of … [Read more...]
Theogony
Theogony literally means the “birth or genealogy of the gods.” It is the name of an epic poem by Hesiod, a Greek poet who is believed to have lived between 750 and 650 BC. He was thus a contemporary of Homer, the author of the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey.” Along with Homer’s works, … [Read more...]
Theseus
Not many heroes are best known for their use of silk thread to escape a crisis, but it is true of Theseus. The Greek demi-god is known for feats of strength but is even better remembered for divine intelligence and wisdom. He had many great triumphs as a young man, but he died a … [Read more...]
Titanomachy
The Wars between the Titans and Olympians The Titanomachy is a series of wars in Greek mythology. These wars took place in Thessaly, and were also called the War of the Titans, the Battle of the Titans, the Battle of the Gods or just the Titan War. These wars were between the … [Read more...]
Triton
Greek Sea-God of Waves & Calm Seas, Herald of Poseidon Triton is one of the mythical Greek gods, and he is the son of Amphitrite and Poseidon. Triton's parents were the god and goddess of the sea, and Triton himself acted as his father's herald. That is why he is often … [Read more...]
Tyche
Tykhe, also known as Tyche, was the Greek goddess of chance, fate and fortune. She represented not only the positive aspects of these characteristics but also the negative ones. The ancient Greeks thought she was the reason for unexpected events in their lives, good and evil. For … [Read more...]
Typhoeus
Typhoeus ( also known as Typhon ) is a giant serpentine creature. Typhoeus is considered the deadliest creature in Greek mythology. Most historians believe that Typhoeus is the son of Tartarus and Gaia. However, some historians have speculated that Typhoeus is the offspring of … [Read more...]
Typhon
Typhon - the Father of all Monsters There might be gods and monsters, but rarely are you going to hear about a god who is also a monster. That's exactly what Typhon is, and it's why he's one of the most fearsome deities that you can face. He's most often described as the most … [Read more...]
Uranus
Uranus is one of the old gods in Greek mythology. He ruled the universe, and his name means sky or heaven. He literally was the sky, which the Greeks envisioned as a brass dome studded with stars. He was the husband of Gaia, or Earth. He was not only her husband, but her … [Read more...]
Venus
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, prosperity, fertility, and victory. She was so important to Romans that they claimed her as their ancestress. According to mythology, her son Aeneas fled from Troy to Italy. He became the ancestor of Remus and Romulus, who founded … [Read more...]
Vulcan
Vulcan is a Roman God whose father was Jupiter, king of the Gods. His mother was Juno, queen of the Gods. It was believed that with such parents he would be quite handsome. As a baby, Vulcan was very small and ugly. He had a face that was red and distorted. Juno was so horrified … [Read more...]
Zelus
Zelus, also known as Zelos, was a lesser deity in Greek mythology. His parents were Titans Pallas and Styx. He had three siblings, Kratos (strength), Nike(victory), and Bia(force). Zelus and his siblings had wings and were the protectors that stood guard around Zeus’ … [Read more...]
Zeus
Greek God of the Sky and King of the Gods Zeus was the first of the gods and a very imposing figure. Often referred to as the "Father of Gods and men", he is a sky god who controls lightning (often using it as a weapon) and thunder. Zeus is king of Mount Olympus, the home of … [Read more...]