Aphrodite: Goddess of Love and Beauty

Study Notes

Aphrodite

Goddess of love, beauty, and desire, symbolized by doves, swans, roses, and the scallop shell.
Often involved in love stories with both gods and mortals, emphasizing themes of romance and seduction.
Roman counterpart is Venus.
Her origins vary; born from sea foam or as the daughter of Uranus (in some myths) or Zeus and Dione in others.
Mother to Eros (with Ares), Harmonia, Phobos, and Deimos.
Married to Hephaestus but had numerous affairs, particularly with Ares.
Played a pivotal role in the Trojan War by influencing Paris's judgment that led to Helen's abduction.

Hades

God of the Underworld and the dead, associated with symbols such as Cerberus, the Helm of Darkness, and the cypress tree.
Brother of Zeus and Poseidon; known as the ruler of the dead.
Roman counterpart is Pluto.
Son of Cronus and Rhea, with no direct offspring but linked to the Erinyes (Furies).
Abducted Persephone to reign as his queen, creating the seasonal cycle tied to her mother's grief.

Hephaestus

God of fire, blacksmiths, metalworking, and craftsmanship, represented by a hammer, anvil, and tongs.
Husband of Aphrodite, typically portrayed as the "crippled" god.
Roman counterpart is Vulcan.
Offspring include Thalia, the Kabeiroi, and Erichthonius.
Thrown from Mount Olympus due to his deformity, either by Hera or Zeus.
Renowned for crafting magical items like Zeus' thunderbolt, Achilles' armor, and Pandora's box.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and crafts, symbolized by an owl, olive tree, and aegis (shield).
Sprang fully armed from Zeus's head.
Roman counterpart is Minerva.
Daughter of Zeus and Metis, who was swallowed by him, resulting in Athena's birth.
Remains a virgin goddess without offspring.
Aided heroes like Odysseus and Perseus, and played a crucial role in founding Athens by offering the olive tree.

Artemis

Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and the moon, depicted with a bow and arrow, deer, and moon.
Twin sister of Apollo.
Roman counterpart is Diana.
Daughter of Zeus and Leto, also a virgin goddess with no children.
Known for fiercely protecting her virginity and enacting revenge on those who violated it, as seen in the story of Actaeon.
Assisted in the birth of her brother Apollo.

Apollo

God of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, and healing, identified by the lyre, laurel wreath, and sun symbol.
Twin brother of Artemis.
Roman counterpart shares the same name.
Son of Zeus and Leto, fathering Asclepius (with Coronis), Orpheus, and Troilus.
Maintained a connection to the Oracle of Delphi, offering prophetic insights.
Central figure in mythological narratives, including the defeat of the Python.

Zeus

King of the gods, associated with the sky, thunder, and lightning, represented by the thunderbolt, eagle, and oak tree.
Ruler of Mount Olympus, brother to Poseidon and Hades, and husband to Hera.
Roman counterpart is Jupiter.
Son of Cronus and Rhea, father to many deities including Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus, Heracles, and Perseus.
Overthrew his father Cronus, establishing the Olympian pantheon.
Known for numerous affairs with both goddesses and mortals, leading to various divine offspring.

Hera

Goddess of marriage and childbirth, revered as the Queen of the gods, symbolized by the peacock, cow, and pomegranate.
Sister and wife to Zeus.
Roman counterpart is Juno.
Daughter of Cronus and Rhea; mother of Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe, and Eileithyia.
Noted for her jealousy and vengefulness towards Zeus’ lovers and their children, such as Heracles and Leto.
Actively supported the Greeks during the Trojan War.

Hestia

Goddess of the hearth, home, and family, symbolized by the hearth and flame.
The oldest sister of Zeus, representing peace and domesticity.
Roman counterpart is Vesta.
Daughter of Cronus and Rhea; she’s a virgin goddess with no children.
First and last deity swallowed and regurgitated by Cronus.
Voluntarily gave up her seat on Olympus to Dionysus to maintain harmony.

Poseidon

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, known for his trident, horse, and dolphin symbols.
Brother of Zeus and Hades.
Roman counterpart is Neptune.
Son of Cronus and Rhea, with many offspring including Theseus, Polyphemus (the Cyclops), Triton, and Pegasus (with Medusa).
Contested Athena for the patronage of Athens but lost, highlighting his significant role in mythological conflicts.

Description

Explore the myths and stories surrounding Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Learn about her symbols, relationships, and connections with both gods and mortals. This quiz will delve into her role in mythological tales, her offspring, and her Roman counterpart, Venus.