ElysiumAN ATLAS OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY
A FIELD GUIDE TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY

The 12 Olympian gods and goddesses.

The are the divine household associated with and the rule of . A common list of twelve names Zeus, , , , , , , , , , , and . Other lists include . The number twelve does not mean Greek religion recognized only twelve gods.

A household with overlapping powers

is associated with the sky and divine order, with marriage and queenship, and with the sea, earthquakes, and horses. ’s concern is grain and agricultural growth. The younger generation includes ’s wisdom and craft, ’s music and prophecy, ’s wilderness, ’s travel and exchange, and ’s metalwork. These domains overlap: ancient worship was more varied than a modern job description.

Hestia or Dionysus?

Lists of the twelve vary by context. , the goddess of the hearth, and , associated with wine and theater, often occupy the variable place in modern lists. That variation should not be turned into a universal ancient story about one god surrendering a seat. Both matter to Greek religious life, so both have profiles in this atlas.

Why is Hades usually outside the twelve?

is a brother of and , born to and . He belongs to the same ruling generation, but his realm is the underworld. A family relationship to the and membership in a particular list of twelve are different questions. is likewise central to the divine family while ruling with Hades below the earth.

Meet the figures

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

Sources and further reading

This is a modern guide. Read the ancient accounts and compare their traditions.

A FEW PLACES TO BEGIN7 results
↑↓to explore↵to openCuriosity is a good beginning.