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, is one of twelve major Olympian Gods. She is associated with the moon, wild animals, and hunting. She is associated with fertility, childbirth and virginity. Zeus' daughter, Leto, is also a Titaness. She was also a major Virgin Goddess.
Ares
Ares is one of the gods of war in Greek mythology. He was considered an ancestor by the Romans. Mars was also associated with Ares. He wore tall plumed helmets and was often associated weapons, breastplates, shields, and other accessories. His imagery has been used for many artworks, contemporary and classic.
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 5 sacred plants: grapevine ivy bindweed, pine, and tree. His devotees carried wreaths with ivy, pine cones, and other sacred plants.
Hephaestus
Hephaestus is one of the most prominent Greek gods associated with arts and crafts. He was the god of fire and of crafts, and his workshop was located under 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
Hermes, one the Greek mythological gods was a trickster who patronized thieves and merchants. He was able to move freely between Olympus' worlds and among mortals. He was also associated with Olympus' underworld. He was also patron of roads and travellers.
Athena
Athena, a daughter Zeus's goddess of craft and crafts, is Athena. She is also the protector and guardian of the king. Athena was an original serpent-like goddess who lived along the Aegean coast. Athena was also known to be the goddess of Athens. Zeus' favourite child, she was Athena, who is the embodiment for wisdom and reason.
Persephone
Persephone, the god of Greek mythology, is the goddess for love, spring and death. Zeus's daughter, she was also the goddess of death. She was associated with the rooster, torches and poppies. Her story is rich in allegorical resonance because she gave death a more human face. During her life, she helped grieving lovers and heroes in their quests. She even granted Orpheus his beloved Eurydice and helped Psyche in her quest to earn back her beloved Eros.
Hercules
Hercules, a Greek mythology figure, is a hero of many stories. During his time on earth, he saved the princess of Troy from a sea monster. He helped Zeus defeat the Giants in Olympus' battle for control. His second labor was to kill the Lernaean Hydra, which Hera had raised to kill Hercules. Hercules covered his mouth and nose to prevent the poisonous fumes from harming him. He then fired flaming bullets into Hydra's lair in the spring of Amymone. This was a deep cave.