Famous Greek Goddesses

If you have an interest in learning about classical mythology, a good place to start would be with the six Greek goddesses that ruled from atop Mt. Olympus. In ancient Greek mythology, the goddesses were in control of fertility, love, and nature. As with their male counterparts, they were thought to possess an immense wisdom, though were also believed to be prone to making rash decisions.

Hera was known as both the sister and wife of the god Zeus, and was born to Rhea and Cronus. Hera was associated with marriage, childbirth, and femininity. There are many tales in classical mythology in which Hera, wracked with feelings of retribution and jealousy, plotted against Zeus' other love interests. Herakles, Zeus' son, was one of the many to incur the wrath of Hera.

Demeter was the second daughter born to Cronus and Rhea. She was the goddess of the land and the soil. Ancient Greeks believed that Demeter was the bringer and changer of the seasons. A central myth revolving around Demeter relates to her daughter Persephone who was stolen by Hades and forced to become his queen. Whilst Demeter was grieving the seasons did not change. Zeus was concerned by the starving people and dispatched his loyal servant, Hermes, to rescue Persephone.

Aphrodite is perhaps the most well known of all the Greek goddesses. Referred to as the goddess of love, sensuality, and lust, it was often said that Aphrodite's beauty was unsurpassed. In fact, her beauty was so profound that the gods themselves were worried that it would cause war. Zeus married Aphrodite to the god Hephaestus, though the marriage did not deter her from using her beauty as a way of meddling in the affairs of both mortals and immortals. Aphrodite was also known as Venus.

Artemis was a daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was known as one of the virgin goddesses in classical mythology. It was believed that Artemis was able to bring fertility to any land belonging to her worshipers.

The stories that describe the doings of the goddess Athena do vary, though most scholars would suggest that she is the daughter of Zeus and the consort Metis. Athena was known as a goddess of knowledge and wisdom. She taught men how to work metal and tend their lands. To women she passed on knowledge of sewing and weaving.

The final goddess who sat atop Mt. Olympus was Hestia. She was believed to have a peaceful nature and warm and generous spirit. Hestia was the daughter of Rhea and Cronus.

By: Blair Levi

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Learn about ancient Greek culture and the famous Greek goddess Athena and other goddesses. Or if you are interested in Mayan culture find out about the Mayan gods and the reasons why people worshipped them.