This document provides information on major Greek gods, including their Roman names, roles in Greek religion and society, and representative symbols. It profiles Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia, Demeter, Ares, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Dionysus, Eros, and Hermes, noting each god's roles and typical symbols like Zeus' lightning bolt, Poseidon's trident, and Hades' three-headed dog Cerberus.

1. Major Gods
Names, Roles, & Symbols

2. As you read each slide…
• Record the information for each Greek
god on your Answer sheet.
– Greek name
– Roman name
– Roles in Greek religion/society
– Images that represent

3. Zeus - Jupiter/Jove
• Roles:
– WEATHER
– GODS
– MEN
• Symbols:
– LIGHTENING BOLT
– OAK LEAF
– OX
– EAGLE

4. Poseidon - Neptune
• Roles:
– OCEANS
– EARTHQUAKES
– HORSES
• Symbols:
– TRIDENT
– HORSE
– DOLPHINS

5. Hades - Pluto
• Roles:
– UNDERWORLD
– WEALTH
• Symbols:
– CERBERUS (3 headed dog)
– JEWELS/METALS
– BLACK
– BIDENT
– HELM OF DARKNESS
– CYPRESS TREE

6. Hera - Juno
• Roles:
– QUEEN OF THE GODS
– MARRIAGE
– CHILDBIRTH
• Symbols:
– PEACOCK
– APPLES
– GOLD
– COW

7. Hestia - Vesta
• Roles:
– HEARTH & HOME
• Symbols:
– HEARTH (fireplace)
– WOODEN THRONE
– ETERNAL FLAME

8. Demeter - Ceres
• Roles:
– AGRICULTURE
– GRAIN
– NATURE
– SEASONS
• Symbols:
– FLOWERS
– SHEAVE OF WHEAT
– SICKLE/SCYTHE
– CORNUCOPIA

9. Ares - Mars
• Roles:
– WAR
• Symbols:
– WEAPONS & ARMOR
– DOGS
– VULTURE
SONS:
Terror, Dread, Panic, & Fear

10. Hephaestus – Vulcan
• Roles:
– FIRE
– FORGE
– BLACKSMITH
• Symbols:
– FIRE
– ANVIL
– HAMMER
– QUAIL

11. Aphrodite – Venus
• Roles:
– LOVE
– BEAUTY
– PEACE
• Symbols:
– RED ROSES
– HEARTS
– DOVE
– MAGIC GIRDLE

12. Apollo – Apollo/Phoebus
• Roles:
– SUN
– BEAUTY
– FINE ARTS / MUSIC
– HEALING / MEDICINE
• Symbols:
– SUN
– LYRE
– LAUREL LEAF
– BOW & ARROW

13. Artemis – Diana/Phoebe
• Roles:
– MOON
– HUNTING
– WOODLAND CREATURES
– YOUNG WOMEN
• Symbols:
– STAG
– CRESCENT MOON
– BOW & ARROW

14. Athena – Minerva
• Roles:
– WISDOM
– MATH
– WAR STRATEGY
– Patroness of Athens
• Symbols:
– DOVE
– MAGIC SHIELD / AEGIS
– OLIVE BRANCH
– OWL

15. Dionysus – Bacchus
• Roles:
– WINE
– PARTIES / REVELRY
– THEATER
– WILD ANIMALS
• Symbols:
– LION / TIGER
– GRAPES
– THEATER MASKS
– IVY
– CHALICE

16. EROS – Cupid
• Roles:
– LOVE
• Symbols:
– BOW & ARROW
– HEARTS
– WINGS
– rose -> eros
– SHOWN WITH EYES SHUT

17. Hermes – Mercury
• Roles:
– MESSENGER
– TRAVELERS/TRADE
– THIEVES
– ESCORTS SOULS TO HADES
• Symbols:
– WINGED SANDALS / HELMET
– BAG OF GOLD
– CADUCEUS