Overview of Greek and Roman Mythology Characters

Zeus (Jupiter)

King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder. Powerful, authoritative, often unfaithful to Hera. Overthrew Cronus. Rules Mount Olympus.

Poseidon (Neptune)

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Moody, powerful, vengeful. Created storms; competed with Athena to be patron of Athens.

Hades (Pluto)

God of the Underworld. Grim, fair, ruler of the dead. Abducted Persephone to be his queen.

Athena (Minerva)

Goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. Intelligent, strategic, virginal. Born from Zeus's head. Helped heroes like Odysseus.

Artemis (Diana)

Goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild animals. Protective, independent, virginal. Twin sister of Apollo; punished Actaeon for seeing her bathing.

Prometheus

Titan who created mankind and gave them fire. Clever, rebellious, compassionate toward humans. Punished by Zeus—chained to a rock, eagle ate his liver daily.

Persephone (Proserpina)

Queen of the Underworld, daughter of Demeter. Innocent, later more mature. Kidnapped by Hades, eats pomegranate seeds, causing seasons.

Cupid (Eros)

God of love. Playful, mischievous, emotional. Fell in love with Psyche; their love overcame many trials.

Psyche

Mortal woman loved by Cupid. Curious, beautiful, brave. Underwent trials to reunite with Cupid and became immortal.

Minerva

Same as Athena, but Roman name.

Diana

Same as Artemis, but Roman name.

Pluto

Same as Hades, but Roman name.

Vulcan (Hephaestus)

God of fire, metalworking, and the forge. Skilled, ugly, lame. Married to Venus. Made weapons for gods.

Daedalus

Inventor and craftsman. Intelligent, cautious. Built Labyrinth for Minotaur; escaped Crete with his son Icarus using wings.

Icarus

Son of Daedalus. Reckless, youthful. Flew too close to the sun, wings melted, fell into the sea.

Orpheus

Musician and poet. Loving, talented, tragic. Went to Underworld to rescue Eurydice, failed when he looked back.

Eurydice

Wife of Orpheus. Gentle, loyal. Died from snakebite; almost rescued by Orpheus.

Pygmalion

Sculptor. Artistic, lonely, idealistic. Fell in love with his statue, Galatea, which Venus brought to life.

King Athamas

Mortal king with a tragic family. Tragic, deceived. Married Nephele, then Ino; Ino plotted to kill Nephele's children.

Nephele

Cloud nymph, first wife of Athamas. Protective. Sent golden ram to rescue her children from Ino's plot.

Ino

Second wife of Athamas. Jealous, scheming. Tried to kill stepchildren (Phrixus and Helle); caused chaos.

Styx

River in the Underworld. Sacred. Gods swore oaths on it; breaking an oath brought doom.

Elysian Fields

Heavenly part of the Underworld. Peaceful, reward for the righteous. Souls of heroes and the blessed went here after death.