Greek Mythology: The Start - 6 Main Olympians

Chaos

The original void; the first existence.

Gaia

Emerges from Chaos; mother of life and Titans.

Uranus

Gaia’s mate; first ruler of the cosmos.

The Titans

Children of Gaia and Uranus, including Cronus, Rhea, Oceanus, Hyperion.

Cronus

Overthrows Uranus, becomes ruler, fears prophecy of being overthrown.

What event prompts Gaia to plot revenge?

Uranus imprisons some of his children.

What does Cronus do to prevent the prophecy of being overthrown?

He swallows his children.

Who saves Zeus from being swallowed by Cronus?

Rhea saves Zeus by giving Cronus a stone instead.

What significant action does Zeus take once he grows up?

He forces Cronus to vomit up his siblings.

What is the Titanomachy?

War of Titans vs. Olympians for power.

Who are key allies of the Olympians?

Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires.

What do Cyclopes do for the Olympians?

Forge weapons, such as Zeus’ lightning bolt.

What is the outcome of the Titanomachy?

Olympians establish dominance over the universe.

Major theme of family dynamics in Greek mythology?

Fear of betrayal.

What does the struggle in these myths highlight?

Justice and balance maintained through struggle.

What role do earlier experiences play in the mythological framework?

They influence the archetypes and personalities of Olympian gods.

Hades (Pluto)

Domain over Underworld, dead, riches beneath the earth.

What are two symbols associated with Hades?

Helm of invisibility, throne.

Hades' primary personality traits?

Reserved, serious, fair, distant.

What is Hades' strength?

Enforces order and fairness.

Hades' key myth?

Abduction of Persephone.

What does Demeter represent?

Agriculture, grain, harvest.

What symbol is associated with Demeter?

Wheat, grain.

Demeter's archetype is primarily that of a?

Nurturer / Mother.

What major event does Demeter's story explain?

The changing of the seasons.

Persephone's significant symbol?

Pomegranate.

What archetype does Persephone embody?

Transformation / Duality.

Zeus is the god of what domain?

Sky, thunder, law, kingship.

Zeus' notable symbols?

Lightning bolt, eagle.

What archetype does Zeus represent?

Ruler / Authority figure.

What are Zeus' notable strengths?

Maintains order and justice.

One of Zeus' flaws?

Abuses power and is unfaithful.

Hera governs what aspects?

Marriage, family, women.

What symbols are representative of Hera?

Peacock, crown.

Hera's archetype is that of a?

Queen / Matriarch.

One of Hera's strengths?

Protects marriage and tradition.

A significant flaw in Hera's personality?

Vindictive toward Zeus’ lovers and offspring.

Poseidon is the god of what domains?

Sea, earthquakes, horses.

Poseidon’s primary symbol?

Trident.

What archetype represents Poseidon?

Emotional force / Volatile power.

Describe Poseidon's personality traits?

Moody, powerful, unpredictable.

What is Poseidon’s strength?

Dominates nature.

What character flaw does Poseidon exhibit?

Temperamental; lacks control.

Hestia’s domain?

Hearth, home, family.

Hestia's key symbol?

Hearth fire.

What archetype does Hestia embody?

Peacemaker / Caretaker.

Hestia's prominent personality traits?

Calm, gentle, selfless.

What is Hestia's strength in her domain?

Stability, unity, domestic peace.

One of Hestia's limitations?

Avoids conflict; less active in social situations.