Zeus

Zeus was the god of the sky, the supreme god of the Olympians, and ruler of mankind. He was the last child of the Titans Kronos and Rhea, and had five older brothers and sisters. Zeus married his sister Hera, but had many love affairs with goddesses and mortals. He punished anyone who lied, though he tried to be fair and keep a balanced view of events. He was responsible for the weather, and when in high spirits, blessed the world with fine weather; in a bad mood he created rain, wind, lighting, and thunder.

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Poseidon

Poseidon was the god of the sea. He was the son of the Titans Kronos and Rhea, and brother of Zeus and Hades. His weapon was a trident powerful enough to shake the earth, causing storms and earthquakes. Poseidon had a throne in Mount Olympus and an undersea palace where he usually lived with his wife Amphitrite. His symbol is the trident, and his sacred animals are the dolphin and the horse.

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Ares

Ares was the god of war. He was the son of Zeus and Hera, and half-brother to Athena. Ares was a difficult character and unpopular with the other gods and humans. He often fought with Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and with his sister Athena. Are's symbols are the spear and dogs. Ares had no wife and was constantly under the spell of the goddess Aphroite, much to the annoyance of her husband Hephaestus. Ares and Aphrodite had four children together. Ares also had many children by mortal women.

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Athena

Athena was the goddess of wistom, skill, and war. She was a child of Zeus and Metis, Zeus's first wife, and was born fully grown, springing out of Zeus's head, wearing full battle armor. She taught humans skills such as weaving, sewing, farming, and metalwork. Her symbols are the olive branch and the owl.

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Hestia

Hestia was the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. She was the eldest daughter of the Titans Kronos and Rhea. Both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry her, but she swore to Zeus that she would never marry. Hestia kept the fire burning in every hearth, providing warmth and security. Her symbol is a living flame and her sacred animals are a donkey and pigs.

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Aphrodite

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. She was married to the lame smith Hephaestus but she lovered Ares, the god of war. Aphrodite was the most attractive goddess on Mount Olympus. Her symbols are the seashell and the mirror. Her sacred animal is the dove.

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Apollo

Apollo was the god of the sun, prophecy, music and healing. He was the son of Zeus and the mortal Leto, and the younger twin of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Famous for playing the lyre, Apollo also had the gift of prophecy. His symbols are the lyre and laurel tree.