The Gods of Ancient Greece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Gods of Ancient Greece - Essay Example For the Greeks their gods were immortal, omnipresent and adorable. They could control all mortals at every stage of their lives, prescribing their fate and their relationships. Zeus According to the belief of the Ancient Greeks, Zeus was the king of all gods. He got this position after fighting with his father, Kronos who killed his children by swallowing him because he feared that they might kill him when they grow up. However, he was tricked by his wife and Zeus was saved from death. Zeus saved his two sisters and three brothers also from the wicked father (Hansen, 2004). Zeus and his brothers - Poseidon and Hades - decided to rule the world after dividing it amongst themselves. Zeus took charge of all the heavens while Poseidon was responsible for the sea. Hades took over the underworld. The three brothers were quite happy with their choice. Zeus’ wife, Hera, was very jealous because her husband had a number of girlfriends and a whole bunch of children. Zeus loved his child ren and all of them had super powers. The most powerful god was Zeus. He could throw his voice and sound like anybody and change the shape of his body. He could even take the form of an animal. Zeus could throw lightning bolts which were carried by his horse, Pegasus. Zeus was short tempered though his sense of humor was very good. Nothing could scare Zeus but his wife Hera. Zeus’ symbols were the thunderbolt, eagle and oak. Every four years Greeks hold an Olympic Games festival which is dedicated to Zeus and men from all over Greek world participate in the competitions. Hera Hera was the sister and wife of the king of gods, Zeus, and the queen of gods. She was the goddess of motherhood and marriage and their main purpose was to protect women, although usually liked to persecute and punish the many mistresses of her husband and children resulting from these courtships outside of their marriage. She was known as Juno in Ancient Rome. Her parents were Rhea and Cronus (Littleton , 2005). Peacock and cow were sacred to Hera. She was portrayed as a royal and sincere goddess and was often crowned with polos which were worn by several Great Goddesses. Hera was extremely jealous of the women her husband was involved with. When Zeus fell in love with a lady, Alkemene, Hera did not like it. The lady bore Zeus’ child Hercules who Hera many times attempted to kill. She kept two snakes in Hercules cot but he was able to save himself with his superhuman strength. Hera was known for her jealous and vengeful nature against the ladies who were involved with Zeus and their children. She was also offended when she was not chosen as the most beautiful goddess. Samos is believed to be Hera’s birth place. Polos and scepter are the symbols of Hera. Athena Athena was Zeus’ daughter and was born without a mother. Myths say that she was born directly out of Zeus’ brain, holding a spear and shield and wearing a helmet. Athena was her father’s fav orite child. She began as a fully armed goddess of war and then became the patron goddess of Athens and a symbol of wisdom. Athena was a very powerful goddess and was one of the 12 deities who had a seat on Mount Olympus. Athena was the one who invented the bridle, chariot and the built the first ship. Athena was worshipped by the Greeks all over the world and was called as Athena Polias which means â€Å"Athena of the city†