Ancient Greek Gods

Those who Reigned in Mount Olympus

In Greek mythology, the ancient Greek gods and goddesses had direct contact and often interfered with the affairs of mankind. The ancient Greek gods and goddesses had corresponding kingdoms or dealings of which they ruled. It was said that mankind prayed on them and gave various offerings in exchange for bounty, good health, etc.

Before the ancient Greek gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus reigned, the Titans were the known rulers. After Zeus overthrew his father Cronus, he and his brothers Poseidon and Hades drew lots to determine who will be the supreme ruler of the ancient Greek gods. Zeus won and became the ultimate ruler of the gods, lord of the sky, and rain. Zeus has the thunderbolt for his weapon and struck this to those who displeased him. He married to Hera, his sister. Ancient greek mythology said this was allowed with the gods but extremely unacceptable for mortals.

Poseidon was second to Zeus, among the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. He was lord of the sea. His weapon was a trident that he used to shake the earth or crush any object. Poseidon was greedy and was said to have had clashed with other ancient Greek gods for trying to take over other cities and territories.

The outcome of the draw between his brothers left Hades to be god of the underworld, ruler of the dead. Like his brother Poseidon, he was also a greedy god, pitiless and harsh. Hades wore a helmet that made him invisible. He married Persephone out of an abduction of the latter.

Hera was queen of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses, protector of marriages and married women. She once rebelled against Zeus, during the time when the latter became unbearable, but her revenge was mostly attributed to her strife-ridden life with Zeus and his infidelities.

Meanwhile, although Ares, the god of war, was son of Zeus and Hera, both parents disliked him because he was murderous and brutal, but at the same time a coward. He committed adultery with Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, love, and desire. Aphrodite had a magical girdle that allures any man she wished to desire her.

Other ancient Greek gods who were said to also live on Mount Olympus were Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto and had a twin sister names Artemis. Apollo was the god of music and had in his possession a golden lyre that he played with often. He was at the same time the god of truth (he could never tell a lie), and god of healing - he taught medicine to mankind. Artermis was the huntswoman of the gods and protector of the youth. She was a virgin goddess and goddess of chasity.


Athena was Zeus daughter. Ancient Greek mythology tells she originated from Zeus forehead in full armor, hence had no mother. She was goddess of the city and agriculture, and handicrafts. Athena personification of wisdom, purity, and reason, and was Zeus favorite child; her father permitted her to meddle with his weapons including his thunderbolt.

The rest of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses were Hermes (Zeus' messenger) and Hephaestus (he was the only god in Mount Olympus who was physically ugly and lame). Hephaestus was the god of smiths and weavers.

Although they maybe regard as mere mythology, the ancient Greeks had very high regard on them so much so that most ancient ruins that still stand today were dedicated to them.