Greek mythology: the great Greek Gods and heroes

The great Greek Gods and heroes of Greek mythology such as the almighty Zeus and Heracles continue to fascinate people today.

Whether you know of some, or none at all, click through the gallery to learn about these iconic, powerful, and influential figures of ancient Greece.

Influence

Greek mythology has had a significant influence on our world and language today—greater than we might realize.

For example, did you know that the month of January and the weekday Thursday are both named after gods? Click through to find out which.

Zeus

King of all the Gods and god of the sky, he is called the thunder god. Known for his wild and erotic escapades, he fathered many of the Greek heroes. His weapon of choice? Lightning. He also has a day of the week named after him: Thursday.   

Roman name: Jupiter 

Poseidon

The third brother, Poseidon, became god of the sea. This ruler is one of the iconic 12 Olympians. If angered, he has the ability to strike down his trident and cause earthquakes, drownings, and shipwrecks.

Roman name: Neptune.

Hestia

She is the Greek goddess of the hearth, home, domesticity, and family. She is the sister of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon.

Roman name: Vesta.

Hera

Goddess of marriage, mothers, and families, Hera was the sister-wife of Zeus and is one of the 12 Olympians. The matron blesses martial unions and weddings. 

Roman name: Juno.

Hermes

Another Olympian God, Hermes is the messenger of the gods and the god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, border crossings, and guide to the underworld. 

Roman name: Mercury.

Apollo

One of the important 12 Olympians, Apollo is the god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light, and knowledge.

Roman name: Apollo.

Tyche

Tyche is the goddess of luck. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans used to pray to her during gambling contests and competitions. But, be warned: she's a hard god to find, opting instead to bestow good fortune on people who work hard.  

Roman name: Fortuna.

Heracles

One of the most popular of all the Greek heroes, Heracles is known for being daring, brave, powerful, strong, and an example of masculinity. 

Roman name: Hercules.

Athena

She is the goddess of wisdom, war, and handicraft. She was the protector of Athens, hence her name, and has since become a symbol for classical learning, democracy, and freedom. 

Roman name: Minerva.

Ares

Ares is also a god of war, but unlike his sister Athena, who is far more strategic when it comes to the art of warfare, Ares represents the more untamed and violent aspects of battle. 

Roman name: Mars.

Aphrodite

The goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality, she is the model for the famous statue Venus de Milo found in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Odysseus

This Greek hero was instrumental in helping the Greeks succeed in the Trojan War. He is known for his intelligence, brilliance, guile, and versatility.  

Roman name: Ulysses.

Theseus

This important hero was the killer of monsters, famously the Minotaur. Later in his life, he became the king of Athens. 

Roman name: Theseus.

Perseus

This hero is best known for being the slayer of Medusa, who'd turn men into stone if they looked directly at her. A son of Zeus, he was a quick-thinking and talented warrior. 

Roman name: Perseus.

Orpheus

A great musician and poet, this Greek hero had the ability to make rivers stand still when he played the lyre. 

Roman name: Orpheus