Books in Profiles in Greek and Roman Mythology series

gdom fairly. He was rich with jewels and rare metals found below the earth s surface. Those who cared for departed souls obeyed him without question. Other gods who lived on Olympus respected and revered him. Yet mortals feared him. Few temples were built in his honor, and Hades is rarely shown in art. Stories of Hades are full of love, jealousy, heroes, beauty, and justice. Read how this god of the Underworld carved a crusty, remote, yet distinctly different character that rivals all others in Greek and Roman mythology.

Poseidon, the god of the sea, was the brother of Zeus. He shared many similarities with his brother, especially his appearance. Yet while Zeus sometimes displayed a playful and humorous side, Poseidon always seemed moody, morose, and even downright angry. Poseidon s prickly personality made him someone to be avoided, both by mortals and by other gods. Yet as ruler of the waters, Poseidon was an important deity for the Greeks, particularly since much of their life revolved around the sea. While it was a good idea to avoid Poseidon, it was also necessary to keep him happy.

The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. Although these stories took place thousands of years ago, they still impact us today. The personality and characteristics of Zeus can often be seen in tales that modern writers and filmmakers weave. The name Zeus still stands for the ultimate in power and authority, which is why it graces modern companies and their products. A study of the starry night sky reveals constellations named after the twin sons of Zeus. Indeed, if mighty Zeus were to look down at the earth today from his lofty Olympian perch, he may well be pleased at the impact he still has in the modern world.

The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. The virgin goddess Artemis ruled the hunt, preferring the quiet wilderness to society. As an immortal, she lived a life mortal Greek women never could one that kept her away from men and marriage. Men (and women) who crossed the boundaries that protected her virginity were punished, often with their lives. But Artemis s boundaries also protected Greek women during childhood and childbirth. As a virgin warrior, women prayed to her to keep them safe when a husband could not.

He was considered a world traveler, quick on his feet, and an expert at finance and education. Yet the Greek god Hermes started out his life with trust issues he lied to his father Zeus and stole his brother s cattle. But Greek myth writers did not allow him to continue with his bad reputation. He became respected as the reliable messenger of the gods, delivering news outside of Olympus. Among his duties in Greek mythology, Hermes served as a spy, mediator, and adviser. Read how Hermes overcame a rough beginning to become one of the most popular Greek gods in culture and literature.

Achilles was a powerful Greek warrior and hero famed for his swift-footedness. His mother, the sea goddess Thetis, tried to make him immortal, but one spot his heel was vulnerable. His role in the Trojan War was the center of Homer s The Iliad in fact, it was prophesied that the Greeks couldn t win the war without him. Once he arrived, however, his wrath began to take over. This brave and confident warrior let pride and a hot temper get in his way, and it led to tragedy. Read how the great hero had great decisions to make, and how his anger often blinded him from wiser choices.

The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. Athena appeared in many Greek myths, having major roles in Homer s Iliad and Odyssey and in ancient plays dealing with justice and democracy. Born from Zeus head, she was a contradictory figure in many ways. She was the goddess of war and a protector of civilization. She was capable of being a good friend to humans, yet she could also be fiercely vindictive and hand out punishment to men and women alike without a second thought. Temples were raised to her throughout Greece, including the famous Parthenon. The city of Athens, a military power and cultural center, embodied the goddess for whom it was named.

The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. Hercules was the son of a mortal woman and Zeus, the chief god of the ancient Greeks. His tremendous strength landed him in trouble. In a mad fit, he killed his wife and sons. For his punishment, he had to serve King Eurystheus, who ordered Hercules to do twelve labors. Though these labors would have vanquished any mere mortal, Hercules heroically accomplished them all. When his mortal side finally met its match, he joined the other gods and goddesses on Mt. Olympus. Throughout the ages, Hercules has survived as a symbol of strength and courage. His story instills hope that danger, and even death, can be conquered.

The life of Hephaestus, god of fire, abounded with intrigue, mystery, and excitement. Who was Hephaestus father? Why does Hera refuse to reveal his name? Why doesn t Hephaestus reveal the recipient of his special gift, the bronze net? Hephaestus life as portrayed in Greek and Roman myths was filled with rejection and deception. Yet this god did not let the negative experiences of life stop him from seeking love and companionship. Hephaestus is shown as a god of pride, hope, and compassion. Though he sometimes struggles to make the right decision, he manages, like most of us, to find the right answer within himself.

Apollo was a god who seemed to be skilled at everything except love. He was the god of music and light, as well as a teacher of medicine. He told of the future and even transformed himself into a dolphin. As the son of the powerful Zeus, and a twin to the goddess Artemis, Apollo spent much of his time chasing the things he wanted. The one thing that always seemed to get away, however, was the woman he loved. One woman was turned into a tree just as he reached her, while another was murdered at his command for falling in love with another. Apollo played an important part in the Trojan War. A series of sports competitions, known as the Pythian Games, was held every four years to honor this god.

Odysseus is one of the greatest heroes of Greek culture. Known for his cunning and intelligence, he was instrumental in helping the Greeks emerge victorious in the Trojan War. But it was his adventures after the ten-year war ended that inspired Homer to immortalize him in The Odyssey. The ancient Greeks felt a special kinship with Odysseus. While they admired physical prowess and respected courage and determination, they revered cunning and intelligence above all. Find out how Odysseus uses his brains and his brawn to fight a flesh-eating Cyclops; ignore the Sirens, who lured sailors to their deaths; and outmaneuver deadly rocks that crushed ships trying to pass through them. Then see how he regains mastery in his kingdom when he returns to Ithaca and his queen, who has waited for him patiently for twenty years.

The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. The voyage of Jason and the heroes aboard the Argo is one of the more famous Greek myths. Jason s quest is to find the golden fleece and bring it back to his homeland. En route, the Argonauts as he and his companions are called have many frightening adventures as they travel far from home. With the help of the gods and of Medea, who has fallen in love with him, Jason meets the challenge. But when Jason and Medea marry and return to Greece, their life will turn tragic. As readers follow the suspenseful tale of Jason and the Argonauts, they will glimpse a lively Greek culture and in these characters, they may recognize a piece of themselves.