What do you think? What did ancient Greece look like?

A civilization that thrived over two thousand years ago is still a topic of great interest to humanity. But why?

Well, Greek mythology was more than just a collection of stories; it was the soul of their culture. However, these stories are called myths even today. 

And why refer to them as myths? The answer is simple – These myths were their way of explaining the mysteries of the universe, the creation of the world and, most importantly, the forces that shaped their lives. 

1. Meet the Deities

If you were to define the whole of Greek mythology as a word, the word would be ‘Dramatic”. People consider Greek mythology dramatic for several reasons.

But Greek mythology wasn’t just about divine drama; it was a mirror held up to the human experience. These gods and goddesses embodied the virtues and flaws of humanity itself, teaching lessons about almost all aspects of one’s life. 

If you were invited to a party in Mount Olympus, the most probable scene would be this. It’s the world display of power and unique quirks with a bit of twists and turns here and there. 

2. Mapping Out Our Players

To weigh our players, we need first to be aware of each of their roles and domains. Though we will be talking about each of them individually and with all the quirky details, here’s a list for those who want it briefly. 

2.1 Zeus – The King of Gods

Now, why is Zeus known as the “Sky God”? Well, he’s got real estate that’s out of this world – the entire sky. The sky’s the limit when you’re Zeus. 

But there’s more to him than just some thunder and lightning: a flowing white beard, a regal mask and a thunderbolt in hand. The thunderbolt is his go-to weapon and can smite anything that crosses his path. Lighting never looked this good, but for Zeus, it’s playtime. 

Zeus had one heck of a family feud. Cronus, his father, was nothing less than a party popper. But the crazy part is he didn’t stop at havocing parties; he went on to swallow Zeus and his siblings to keep them from taking over. But Zeus didn’t have it.

He pulled off a daring escape, gave Cronus a taste of his drug and came to be the new king of gods. 

But it didn’t stop there. Zeus was a real heartthrob with a plentitude of love stories and scandals. There’s the legendary love with Hera, his sister, a wild fling with mortal women and many more. 

2.2 Hera – The Queen of Hearts

Here, the original boss lady of Mount Olympus! In a way, she wore the ultimate crown as the queen of the gods. But there’s more juice to the story – her divine domain wasn’t just about sitting pretty. 

She was the ultimate wedding planner for the gods. But hold onto your laurels because there’s more to the story than mere wedding bells. She had a complicated relationship with Zeus.

I mean, imagine being married to the king of the gods – a rollercoaster! They had a fair share of arguments, mainly because Zeus had a bit of a wandering eye. Yet, through it all, Hera remained a symbol of commitment and devotion in the divine world. 

But here’s the twist – Hera wasn’t all about sweet, maternal vibes. She had a fierce side, too. Cross her, and you’re done for. Her wrath was legendary, and she wasn’t one to forgive quickly. So, there you have it, Hera, the queen of marriage and family. 

2.2 Poseidon – The God of the Sea

Poseidon is no one new to those who have already watched Aquaman, even once. Poseidon’s main gig was, of course, the sea. He commanded the oceans, controlling the tides with a flick of his trident. Sailors prayed to him for safe voyages. The original weatherman, I must say. 

But that’s not all! Poseidon was also an earthshaker. He had the power to cause earthquakes, which made him a god not to be trifled with. As you might have guessed, his trident wasn’t just for show; it could split the earth.

Now, here’s an unexpected twist. Poseidon was also the god of horses. Why, you ask? Well, the Greeks believed that he created horses by striking the ground with his trident. It’s also for this reason that in art and myth, Poseidon is often depicted riding a chariot pulled by seahorses or wielding. 

Ancient Greeks, heavily reliant on the sea for trade and sustenance, held Poseidon in high regard (for obvious reasons). How did they do it? His temples dotted the coast, and sailors sacrificed to win his favour. His capricious nature meant that appeasing him was a smart move for anyone. 

2.3 Athena – The Goddess of Wisdom 

The one thing I can say about Athena is that she is not your run-of-the-mill deity; she’s got brains, strategy and a dash of battlefield swag.

Athena is more like the poster child of wisdom.

Athena didn’t come into the world the way most of us do. She sprang up forth fully grown and armour from the mighty brow of Zeus – that mighty of an entry. But wait, there’s more.

Athena isn’t just about wisdom and sudden appearances. She’s also the patron deity of Athens, the ancient Greek City.

She gifted the whole city with an olive tree to Posiedon. God-Level Gifts! All in all, Athena is like the old Greek version of brains, with beauty and a knack for popping out of heads. Now, that’s a goddess you’d want in your team. 

2.4 Apollo – The God of Light and Music

Apollo – God of the Sun, the original ‘Lightbringer’, who painted the heavens each dawn. Yet, his mastery went beyond illuminating the cosmos. You could say that Apollo was the Mozart of Mount Olympus.

He strummed the golden strings of his lyre, music transcending the boundaries of mortal comprehension. It might sound exaggerated, but poetry flowed from his lips like nectar. 

But Apollo’s talents didn’t stop at the arts. He also had the divine prescription for healing, for a touch that could heal any affliction. The most peculiar thing about Apollo is that he was not just a deity who roamed around with lofty ideas.

He was a patron of balance. He was taught that light could not exist without darkness, that music could not soar without silence and that healing was the twin of pain. Thus, it’s safe to say that Apollo idolized the harmony of life. 

2.5 Artemis – The Goddess of the Hunt

The untamed force of the wild reigns supreme as the goddess of the Hunt. As serious as it may sound, her dominion knows no bounds. In the heart of the wild, she is both protector and predator. Her bow was no less than a testament to her unmatched skill. 

But Artemis is more than a relentless hunter. She is the guardian of childbirth, paradoxically fierce in her protection of expectant mothers. Yet, it is her fiercely independent spirit that sets her apart.

So it’s safe to say that Artemis is no damsel waiting to be rescued. She is instead a leader who is just unapologetically herself. 

2.6 Ares – The God of War 

Ares’s character exudes both fascination and dread in the rich stories of Greek mythology. Ares, quite surprisingly, reigns supreme over the battlefield.

He’s not the tactical genius like Athena or the protective strategist like Zeus; he’s the brute force, the relentless and unapologetic violence that warfare brings. Though not surprising, in mythology, Ares is often portrayed as impulsive and hot-headed. 

Coming onto the relationships, Ares is a complex fellow. He’s the son of Zeus and Hera, which puts him squarely in the family portrait of the Olympian deities.

But, he’s a bit of an odd one out, often estranged thanks to his bloodlust. Ares’s most infamous relationship is his long and tempestuous affair with Aphrodite. It’s a classic case of opposites attracting – war violence entangled with the seductive power of love. 

2.7 Aphrodite – The Goddess of Love

In the pantheon of Greek deities, none rival her dominion over matters of the heart, beauty and desire. Born from the sea foam that bubbled up around the severed genitals of Uranus, Aphrodite’s origins are as extraordinary as her radiance.

To add to the list, from the mortal realm to the heaven above, Aphrodite’s enchantment knows no bounds. Mortals and Gods were equally smitten by her charms. 

In art and culture, Aphrodite’s influence is unmistakable. She graces masterpieces with her timeless beauty, from Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” to countless poems and songs to her name.

Even more fascinating is that her mythic origins and influence remain as potent today as they were in ancient Greece. 

2.8 Hermes – Messenger of the Gods

Imagine Hermes as the divine email system of Mount Olympus. When Zeus needed to send an urgent thunderbolt memo, or Hera required an instant divine intervention, Hermes zipped across the heavens, delivering messages with the speed of thought (not even light).

But Hermes doesn’t limit his hustle to just divine errands. He’s the god you’d want by your side on an epic trip. Why? Cause he was the literal celestial GPS – the original Wall Street wizard. 

But here’s where Hermes’s character takes an intriguing twist. He’s the patron saint of the rogues. You might wonder why a god known for his divine deliveries would associate with the underworld of thieves. Well, it’s his cunning and craftiness that blows up the boundaries.

2.9 Dionysus – The God of Wine 

The life of every divine party in Greek mythology. A god who’s synonymous with a glass of vino. That’s Dionysus for you. But Dionysus was more than a sommelier; he was the ultimate theatre buff.

Greek drama owes a debt to this party-loving deity. His theatre festivals were the Oscars of ancient Greece. People adored him, and his cult spread like wildfire. His worship wasn’t just about getting tipsy; it was a way to celebrate life’s highs and lows. 

Now, let’s talk about Dionysus’s transformation game. This guy had more costume changes than a Hollywood diva. His story is no less than a blockbuster movie – kidnapped as a baby, raised by nymphs, and ultimately ascending to divine status. Quite a rollercoaster! 

2.10 Hades – God of the Underworld 

In Greek mythology, Hades is the gatekeeper of the afterlife. It’s a role that earns him both reverence and fear. Unlike tumultuous Zeus or the adventurous Poseidon, Hades is often portrayed as a solemn figure.

But Hade is more than just an unhappy figure. He is also a god of balance, ensuring that the cosmic order is maintained. While he remains aloof from his family, his presence is felt in pivotal moments—for instance, the abduction of Demeter’s daughter. 

Hades’s interactions with other gods are marked by respect and necessity rather than want. Even the mighty Zeus cautiously approaches him, aware that the lord of the underworld is the last person he wants to upset. 

3. Final Verdict

In the electrifying arena of Greek Gods, power isn’t just about flexing celestial muscles; it’s a cosmic popularity contest. So, let’s breakdown the scorecard:

3.1 Dominion

If power is land, Zeus reigns supreme. As king of the gods and ruler of the sky, his dominion stretches across Olympus like a celestial empire. 

3.2 Influence

Athena’s got this one. Her wisdom and strategic brilliance shaped epic tales like the Trojan War. Plus, she’s the go-to goddess for brainpower. 

3.3 Worship 

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and desire, takes the cake. When mortals are penning sonnets and sculpting statues in your name, you’ve got some profound influence. 

3.4 Personality 

Ares, the fiery god of war, might seem like a shoo-in, but his hot-headedness sometimes backfires. Still, when it’s time for battle, you want Ares in your corner. 

So, who’s the ultimate powerhouse? It depends on where you stand in the cosmic arena. That’s the beauty of Greek mythology; it offers a pantheon of gods, each with its brand of power. 

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Ms.Hazarika