In Greek mythology, the Twelve Olympians were the principal gods and goddesses who resided on Mount Olympus. They were considered the most powerful and influential deities in ancient Greece, worshipped and revered by the Greeks for centuries.
Each of the Olympians had their own unique set of symbols that represented their powers, domains and attributes. For instance, Zeus, the god of the skies, was often depicted with a lightning bolt or thunderbolt, while his sacred animals included the eagle, swan, and bull.
Similarly, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was associated with the golden apple, dove, and scallop shell. Understanding the symbols of the Olympians is important in interpreting Greek myths and legends, as they often provide clues about the characters and their actions.
Olympian God & Their Symbol
| Olympian God | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Zeus | Lightning bolt/thunderbolt, eagle, swan, clouds, bull, and oak tree |
| Hermes | Caduceus (rod staff with snakes entwined), winged shoes, winged hat, and tortoise shell |
| Hera | Diadem/crown, pomegranate, peacock, and cow |
| Hestia | Hearth |
| Dionysus | Grapes, ivy, thyrsus of ivy and pine cone |
| Poseidon | Trident |
| Aphrodite | Golden apple, dove, swan, and scallop shell |
| Hephaestus | Hammer, anvil, fire, donkey, and volcano |
| Apollo | Lyre, bow and arrow, python, a laurel wreath, and the sun |
| Artemis | Bow and arrow, deer, quiver, and the moon |
| Ares | Spear and helmet, armor, dog, chariot, torch, and vulture |
| Athena | Owl, olives/olive tree, spear, aegis, and snakes/serpents |
| Demeter | Grain, cornucopia, and bread |
| Hades | Helmet, bident/scepter, and the horn of plenty |
Image of the Symbols of the Greek Gods
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