Page 41 - Kallima Spiritual Centre - Newsletter - June-July 2021

Who were the Olympians
Greek mythology embraces numerous gods, goddesses, monsters and mortals.
The best known are probably the Olympians. The ancient Greeks saw it they were the twelve supreme rulers of Greece and the world.
These Olympians were deities who got their names as they were believed to live on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. This vantage point allowed them to rule over every aspect of human life. But not always with a benevolent or gracious hand. Indeed, the Olympian deities were not dissimilar to the men and women they governed in both appearance and they often displayed the weakest and strongest of human nature.
They were third or fourth generation ‘immortal beings’ who under Zeus had defeated the previous rulers, the Titans, to became the principle gods of Greek mythology and Greek religion.
From Zeus to Dionysus, these deities not only influenced the behavior of who they ruled but also the fates. They also feature in some of the most exciting myths.
were 14 primary Greek deities.
Hades, despite being a brother to Zeus and Poseidon, was not an Olympian as he became the ruler of the Underworld and therefore did not have a seat on Mount Olympus.
Hestia stepped down from Olympus to make room for Dionysus as he wanted to claim his rightful place in Mount Olympus.
Others who lived on Mount Olympus
There were others who lived for a time on Olympus these included
Hercules, the half-mortal. He came to Olympus after his death.
The nine Muses (daughters of Zeus), who ruled over the arts and sciences and also offered inspiration in these subjects.
The Three Graces (also known as Charities), who again were the offspring of Zeus, and who represented qualities such as charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility.
The 12 Olympians
Zeus
Zeus was the god of sky, thunder, law and fate and a chief figure in Greek mythology.
Being the king of all the other gods, he assigned them their roles. Plus he
was father to many of the gods. He held a central place in the Greek religion. Homer
wrote:
The Olympians were the second generation of divine beings, plus were the children of the primordian beings and were at the centre of the ancient Greek religion, they followed the Titans (who were the first generation).
The main Olympians were Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Artimis, Area, Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Hermes and Poseidon.
There were 12 Olympians, although there
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