Ancient Greek Mythology
Have you ever thought how fun it would be if you could fly? What if you had super-human strength that allowed you to do cool things that no one else could? In ancient Greece, people believed in gods and goddesses that had special powers like these...
APHRODITE- goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She was a protector to sailors and the daughter of Zeus. When a Trojan prince named Paris was told to pick the most beautiful of Aphrodite, Hera and Athena, he chose Aphrodite. Even when the other two women tried to win him over with bribery and powerful victory in battle, Aphrodite's love was enough to keep him captivated.
APOLLO- god of fortune telling, music and healing. People referred Apollo's excellent aim with an arrow to explain what happened whenever someone died suddenly. He is usually portrayed with a harp or a lyre to symbolize music.
ATHENA- goddess of crafts and war. Also known as the goddess of wisdom, she is usually seen with a bird and her symbol is the owl. When Zeus was married to Metis, he was warned by Earth that his unborn son would one day overthrow him, so Zeus swallowed Metis. Shortly after he had a headache so unbearable it had to be split with an axe, and when it was, Athena popped out!
HERMES- messenger of the gods and a guide to the dead. He was known as a a link between mortals and the gods. He was also the son of Zeus and created the lyre that Apollo played. Known for his helpfulness to mankind, he lent his magical flying sandals to humans in need of them so they could fly.
ZEUS- ultimate god of the gods. His brothers and sisters who were also gods and goddesses had been captured and swallowed by his father in a fit of paranoia that one of them would overthrow his authority. Zeus' mother kept him hidden, though, in a cave. When he grew up, he made his father vomit up his siblings and together they fought and gained control of the universe.
HADES- god of the dead and guard of the Underworld. Brother to Zeus. Though he loved ruling hell, he longed for a wife. He was known for his manipulation and skills of convincing people to come join the Underworld. In order to get there, one would have to cross the River Styx- the point of no return.
HERCULES- was half man and half god as well as Zeus' son. He is best known for his ultimate strength and his detailed stories. When he grew up, he became a great warrior and fell in love with a mortal named Magera. Together they settled down and had two children.
