Greek Mythology Heroes and Gods

Greek Heroes

• Perseus: defeated Medusa, saved Andromeda from a sea monster
• Theseus: defeated the Minotaur in the Labyrinth
• Hercules (Heracles): completed the Twelve Labors, demigod son of Zeus
• Orpheus: musician and poet, journeyed to the Underworld to reclaim his wife Eurydice
• Jason: led the Argonauts on a quest for the Golden Fleece
• Bellerophon: tamed Pegasus, defeated the Chimera

Zeus

• King of the gods and god of the sky and thunder
• Wielded a lightning bolt as a symbol of his power
• Known for his many love affairs and offspring, including Athena, Apollo, and Dionysus
• Brother of Poseidon and Hades, with whom he drew lots to divide the universe
• Often depicted holding a scepter and surrounded by clouds

Hera

• Queen of the gods and goddess of marriage, family, and childbirth
• Wife and sister of Zeus, often depicted as a maternal figure
• Protector of women and marriage, but also known for her jealousy and vengefulness towards Zeus' lovers
• Symbolized by the peacock, which was said to have been created by her
• Often depicted as a regal, maternal figure, sometimes with a crown or scepter

Aphrodite

• Goddess of love, beauty, and desire
• Born from the sea foam, often depicted as a beautiful and alluring woman
• Associated with the myrtle tree and the dove
• Said to have been born from the genitals of the sea god Uranus, which were thrown into the sea by Cronus
• Often depicted as a nude or partially clothed woman, surrounded by symbols of love and desire