About this Daily Classroom Special:
This worksheet is part of the Daily Classroom Special Up on Mount Olympus—A Study of Greek Mythology by Lisa Kihn. 

Worksheet

THE TWELVE MAJOR GREEK GODS 

According to Greek myth, the 12 major Greek gods lived on Mount Olympus and ruled over various realms. Greek mythology also includes stories about harpies, furies, fairies, gorgons, sirens, nymphs, and mortal heroes. Each has a fascinating tale to tell. The following are the twelve major gods:

Zeus – ruler and king of all gods on Mount Olympus; also god of the weather, hence the expression “Thunderbolts of Zeus.”


Aphrodite – goddess of beauty and love


Apollo – god of the sun and patron of many things, including archery, music, prophecy and medicine


Ares – god of war and combat


Artemis – goddess of the moon; guardian of cities, young animals, and women


Athena – daughter of Zeus, goddess of wisdom, patron goddess of Athens, protectress of those who worship her in times of war, also patron of household crafts


Demeter – goddess of crops, giver of grains and fruit


Dionysus – god of fertility, of joyous life and hospitality, and of wild things


Hephaestus – god of fire and of the artisans, husband of Aphrodite; he was the only ugly god


Hera – wife of Zeus; protectress of marriage, of children, and of the home


Hermes – son of Zeus; god of orators, writers, and commerce; protector of thieves and of mischief-makers; guardian of wayfarers; messenger to mortals 


Poseidon – god of the oceans, seas, and earth-giver of horses to mortals