Greek Mythology for Kids (Twelve Olympians)

The Twelve Olympians, also known in ancient Greek mythology as the Dodekatheon (12 gods), were the principal gods of the Greek pantheon residing at the top of Mount Olympus.

Throughout antiquity, there were debates among historians (and scholars as well) as to who among the various deities comprise the original group of twelve.

Zeus (roman name Jupiter)
God of the sky and ruler of the Olympian Gods. He is represented as the god of justice and mercy, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked. Also known as the god of battle, games, and agriculture.






Hera (roman name Juno)
Patroness of marriage. Wife of Zeus. Goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She represents the values of sacred love and marriage as well as female sensuality and desire.





Hades (roman name Pluto)
Lord of the underworld, ruling over the dead. Also known as the god of wealth, due to the precious metals mined from the earth. Brother of Zeus and Poseidon.







Hestia (roman name Vesta)
Goddess of the hearth and fire. Of all the Olympians, she is the mildest, most upright and most charitable. Considered to represent personal security and happiness.







Hermes (roman name Mercury)
Messenger to all the other Gods and the cleverest of the Olympian Gods. He is the fastest of the Gods. He is the god of commerce, road, trading, and eloquence. He was also the god of athletes and is given credit for inventing boxing and racing.





Poseidon (roman name Neptune)
God of the sea and earthquakes. Brother of Zeus and Hades. Son of Cronus and Rhea.







Hebe (roman name Juventas)
Goddess of youth. Daughter of Zeus and Hera. Wife of Hercules. Cupbearer for the gods, serving their nectar and ambrosia.







Ares (roman name Mars)
God of war, frenzy, hatred, and bloodshed. Son of Zeus and Hera.








Hephaestus (roman name Vulcan)
He is the god of fire, craftsmen and smiths. He is the patron god of both smith and weavers. He is the smith and armorer of the Gods.







Athena (roman name Minerva)
Greek virgin Goddess of reason, intelligent, activity, arts and literature. She is goddess of the city, handicrafts, and agriculture. She is the embodiment of wisdom, reason, and purity.



Artemis (roman name Diana)
Goddess of chastity, virginity, the hunt, the moon, and the natural environment. She is the lady of the wild things. She is the huntsman of the God. She is the protector of the young.






Apollo (roman name Apollo)
He is the god of music, poetry, archery, prophecy, justice, law, order and the art of healing. Also known as the sun God. Son of Zeus and Leto, and has a twin sister - Artemis.