Significance of The Greek (and Roman) Gods

The Greek gods are beings from classical mythology who ruled over mortals and the mortal world. They had special powers, and represented certain aspects of the world, human nature, and civilization. The main and most powerful gods were the twelve Olympians. These were Zeus (god of sky, thunder, and king of the gods), Hera (queen of the gods, wife of Zeus, goddess of family and marriage), Poseidon (god of the sea and earthquakes), Demeter (goddess of crops), Apollo (god of light, archery, music, healing and prophecy), Artemis (virgin goddess of hunting and the moon), Athena (goddess of wisdom and battle strategy), Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty), Ares (god of war), Hephaestus (god of smiths, the forge, and fire), Dionysus (god of wine and theatre), and Hermes (god of messengers, trade, travelers, and thieves). Hades was also a powerful god but did not live on Mount Olympus with the other gods. He was the god of death and his realm was the Underworld. There are also many minor gods such as Hypnos (sleep) and Iris (messages).