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12 Olympian Gods and Goddesses

From N.S. Gill's Ancient/Classical History Glossary, for About.com

Eros, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Demeter

Eros, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Demeter

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Definition:

There were 12 Olympian gods and goddesses in Greek mythology, although you may run across 14 different names. Hestia, Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, and Hades are variable. The remaining are: Apollo, Ares, Hermes, Poseidon, and Zeus, among the gods; Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, and Hera, among the goddesses.

The Roman versions of the Greek names are: Apollo, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, and Jupiter, among the canonical males; Venus, Minerva, Diana, and Juno, among the canonical females. The alternates are Vesta, Ceres, Bacchus, Vulcan, and Pluto. [See Roman Gods and Goddesses.]

Olympians Profiles

Alternate Spellings: Hephaestus' name is sometimes spelled Hephaistos or Hephestus.
Examples:
The twelve Olympian gods and goddesses were the major deities with prominent roles in Greek mythology. Although Being an Olympian god meant a throne on Mt. Olympus, some of the major Olympians spent most of their time elsewhere. Poseidon lived in the sea and Hades in the Underworld.

Quiz: Which Greek Goddess Are You?

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