Classics

Zeus / Jupiter

The king of the gods in Greek mythology, associated with thunder, lightning, and the sky. In Roman mythology, he is known as Jupiter and holds similar attributes.

Symbol: eagle

Hera / Juno

The queen of the gods in Greek mythology, goddess of marriage and family. Known as Juno in Roman mythology, she shares similar qualities and is often depicted as Zeus's wife.

Symbol: peacock

Poseidon / Neptune

The god of the sea in Greek mythology, often associated with horses and earthquakes. In Roman mythology, he is called Neptune and retains these aquatic and terrestrial powers.

Symbol: Horses and tridents

Athena / Minerva

The goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts in Greek mythology, known as Minerva in Roman mythology. She is often depicted as a protector of heroes and cities.

Symbol: owl and olive tree

Apollo

The god of music, arts, knowledge, and the sun in Greek mythology. In Roman mythology, he is also named Apollo and is associated with healing and prophecy. He played the lyre, brought plagues, and delivered oracles through his priestess in Delphi.

Symbol: laurel wreath

Artemis / Diana

The goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth in Greek mythology, known as Diana in Roman mythology. She is often depicted with a bow and arrows and is a protector of young women but can be merciless. Apollo’s twin sister.

Symbol: Bow and arrow

Aphrodite / Venus

Goddess of love and beauty, born (according to one story) from sea foam. Marries to Hephaestus but had many affairs including with Ares.

Symbol: Doves and swans

Ares / Mars

God of Violence, war, and bloodshed. Unlike Athena’s clever tactics, Ares represented raw aggression. The Romans values Mars more highly, linking him with their own military power.

Symbol: Spear, vulture, chariot

Hephaestus / Vulcan

God of fire and metalwork. Crippled but skilled, he made armour for gods and heroes, including Achilles’ shield. His forge smoked beneath volcanoes.

Symbol: Hammer, tongs, anvil

Hermes / Mercury

The messenger God, protector of travellers, merchants, and thieves. Known for his cunning. He guided souls to the underworld.

Symbols: winged cap, winged sandals, Caduceus (staff)

Demeter / Ceres

Goddess of agriculture and harvest. Her grief when her daughter Persephone was taken to the underworld caused winter; her joy at Persephone’s return brought spring.

Symbol: sheaves of wheat, a torch

Hestia / Vesta

Goddess of the hearth and home. Values by Romans, and her priestesses the Vestal Virgins who kept her sacred flame burning in the heart or Rome

Symbol: A sacred flame

Dionysus / Bacchus

God of wine, theatre, and celebration.

Symbol: thyrsus—a fennel staff topped with a pinecone and wrapped in ivy and grapevines