If you have ever been curious about the origins and evolution of Greek mythology you are likely to be familiar with certain gods like Artemis, Ares Dionysos (Hephaestus), Zeus, Hades, and Ares. Here's a quick primer on these characters:
Artemis
Artemis, a Greek goddess and one of the twelve major Olympian Deities is Artemis. She is the goddess for the hunt, wild animals, fertility, and the moon. She is associated with fertility, childbirth and virginity. Zeus is her daughter and Leto is her mother. Leto was a Titaness. She was also one the major Virgin Goddesses.
Ares
Ares is one of the gods of war in Greek mythology. He was considered the ancestor of both the Romans and Mars. He wore tall plumed helmets and was often associated weapons, breastplates, shields, and other accessories. Many artists have used his imagery from the classical to contemporary era.
Dionysos
Dionysos (the god of wine) is an important figure within Greek mythology. Dionysus rode the panther and drove a chariot with a pair of panthers. He was also associated with five sacred plants: grapevine, ivy, bindweed, and pine tree. His devotees carried pine cone wreaths and ivy wreaths.
Hephaestus
Hephaestus is one of the most prominent Greek gods associated with arts and crafts. Hephaestus, the god of fire, was also known for his craft workshop which was located beneath a volcano. Hephaestus did not have the same physical perfection as most Olympian gods. However, he was well-known for his skill in using a forge, weapons, or tools.
Hermes
One of the gods of Greek mythology, Hermes was a trickster and a patron of merchants and thieves. He could move freely between Olympus and mortal worlds, and was associated with the underworld. He was also the patron saint of travelers and roads.
Athena
Athena is a daughter of Zeus and the goddess of crafts. She is also the protector to the king. Athena was originally an serpent-like goddess living on the Aegean shore. Athena was also known as the goddess of the city of Athens. Zeus considered her the favorite child, as she is the embodiment and embodiment of wisdom and reason.
Persephone
Persephone is the Greek mythological god Persephone. She is the goddess of love and spring. Zeus and Demeter were her parents. Her name was often associated to scepters and torches, poppies and the rooster. Because she gave death a gentler face, her story has a lot of allegorical resonance. She helped heroes and lovers in grief throughout her life. Orpheus received Eurydice from her and she helped Psyche to find her lost Eros.
Hercules
Hercules, a Greek mythology hero, is the subject of many stories. He saved Princess Troy from a marine monster during his time in earth. He also assisted Zeus in defeating the Giants during Olympus's battle. His second labor was to kill the Lernaean Hydra, which Hera had raised to kill Hercules. Hercules covered Hercules nose and mouth to stop poisonous gasses from harming them. The Hydra was then at the spring, Amymone's lair. He fired flaming shots into it.