ancient Greek culture - the cradle of civilization of the world.At its core - a variety of complex interweaving of art, wars, revolutions, and, most importantly, religious belief, embodied in myths and legends.The main characters of ancient legends - the Olympian gods, strong and powerful, but at the same time endowed with the appearance and character of mere mortals.They are the protectors of the most important spheres of life of people, but it does not bear the people's spiritual and moral values.For them there are no concepts of "sin" and "conscience" celestials themselves often violate existing rules.Total in ancient Greece, there were about fifty gods living on the top of Mount Olympus.
At the heart of the pantheon were 12 Olympian gods, the history of the Board, and which found expression in ancient myths and songs.These include: Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, Hera, Hestia, Demeter.
main god is considered to be Zeus the Thunderer.He was considered the patron saint of the sky, lightning and thunder.It was the symbol of the eagle - regal and proud bird.Zeus was not an easy path for climbing to vlasti.Ego mother - goddess Rhea - hid him from cruel father on the shores of the island of Crete.To achieve greatness, he had to overthrow the Crown that he was able to do only after many years of struggle.The victory went to Zeus heavy price for his side were the Olympian gods, Titans, Cyclops.The result of a decade of confrontation was the overthrow of the Crown in the hellish abyss of Tartarus.Authorities around the world was divided between Zeus and his two brothers, Hades and Poseidon.
last not inferior to the power of the God of Thunder, though, and had to submit to his authority.Poseidon was the patron depths of the sea and fishing.Its symbol was the trident.
Among the undoubted queen of the goddesses Hera was the sister and wife of Zeus.According to mythology, it was extremely jealous.Hera was considered the patroness of lawful marriage, motherhood and all women.Her most revered children were Ares and Hermes.
first was considered the god of war and bloody battles.Often portrayed as a strong and handsome man, he was endowed with the basest qualities often acted on the side of evil forces and differed unprecedented meanness.
second son of Gera - Hermes - it was conceived without the participation of Zeus.Unlike other deities, his appearance was repulsively ugly that did not stop him to win the glory and honor of the ancient Greeks.In addition to the ugly appearance, and he had a physical disability.According to legend, his mother threw him from Olympus and Hephaestus was lame.He was accepted as a god to worship, the blacksmith, the patron of crafts.Wife of Hephaestus was the fairest of goddesses - the keeper of love Aphrodite.
It was created from the sea foam and, like her, was changeable and playful.Tender and passionate, she defended sensuality, love and beauty.Olympian gods of ancient Greece were all as one fascinated by her.
Not all children of Zeus were donated his hero.Many of them were bred by nymphs and other mythical creatures.These, of course, is one of the greatest of Protecting Ancient Greece - a wise Athena - the goddess warrior, patronage honest and fair struggle.Powerful Olympian gods - it is also hard-earned twins Apollo and Artemis.The first is considered the founder of culture and art, is often depicted with a lyre and arrows in their hands.Protector of Apollo the sun and sunlight.His sister Artemis reigned over the moon.She was the goddess of hunting, fertility and animals.
God cunning and trickery Hermes - the son of Zeus and the nymph.He was considered the patron saint of all travelers.Hestia - the chaste goddess of the hearth and family.Demeter - the sister of Zeus and the daughter of Crown - taking care of nature and fertility.
List deities of ancient Greece can be listed for a long time.Of course, listed the Olympian gods - the most famous immortalized in world history.Thank them preserved not only in legends and myths, but also found expression in contemporary culture.
