Twelve Olympians
Also known as: Dodekatheon · gods of olympus · The 12 Olympians · 12 Greek Gods and Goddesses · The 12 Olympian Gods
- 1The twelve Olympians are the major deities of the Greek pantheon.
- 2They are named for their traditional residence on Mount Olympus.
- 3The group includes Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, and nine other primary gods.
- 4The final member of the twelve is traditionally either Hestia or Dionysus.
In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the twelve Olympians are the major deities of the Greek pantheon, commonly considered to be Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hephaestus, Hermes, and either Hestia or Dionysus.
Connections1
ruler of the divine pantheon
Zeus acts as the patriarch and supreme authority over the twelve major deities who inhabit Mount Olympus.
The twelve Olympians represent the major deities of the ancient Greek pantheon. They were traditionally believed to reside on Mount Olympus, which served as the seat of their power and authority over the mortal and divine realms.
Fragment of a Hellenistic relief (1st century BC – 1st century AD) depicting the twelve Olympians carrying their attributes in procession; from left to right: Hestia (scepter), Hermes (winged cap and staff), Aphrodite (veiled), Ares (helmet and spear), Demeter (scepter and wheat sheaf), Hephaestus (staff), Hera (scept...Wikimedia Commons: File:Greek_-_Procession_of_Twelve_Gods_and_Goddesses_-_Walters_2340.jpg While the composition of the group can vary, it typically includes Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hephaestus, and Hermes. The final position is generally held by either Hestia or Dionysus, reflecting the fluid nature of ancient religious traditions.