𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒

θεούς . 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚

The Olympians and Their Various Roles in Ancient Greek Mythology

The gods and goddesses of Greek Mythology are perhaps one of the most well-known, if not the most, among other mythologies from Ancient Civilizations. We are particularly familiar with the most prominent ones, the majority of which reside in Mt. Olympus, otherwise known as the Home of the Gods. These gods were known as the Olympians.

They were so named for their residence in Mt. Olympus, and were said to have presided over the mortals’ daily life, and as such, were key figures in its political climate.

These were Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Hera, Hermes, Poseidon, and Zeus. With Hestia occasionally mentioned as part of the twelve main Olympians. But they were not the only gods residing in Mt. Olympus, for there were also minor gods and goddesses who served as their auxiliary.

Being the main presiders of their mortal subjects’ daily life, they were often grouped according to the common functions they held.

THE THEOI AGORAIOI were the gods of the "agora" (the marketplace and people's assembly). They were headed by Zeus, the King of the Gods. Alongside him were Athena (Goddess of Wisdom), Dike (Justice), Themis (Custom), and Calliope (Eloquence).
The gods of the marketplace, on the other hand, were led by Hermes, the god of commerce, along with Hephaestus and Athena, the patron gods of artisans: weavers, potters, metalworkers, sculptors, etc. Apollo was another god of the marketplace.

THE THEOI DAITIOI were the gods of feasts and banquets. Dionysus, the god of wine, and Hestia, goddess of feasting, presided over these. They were accompanied by festive gods such as Aphrodite, goddess of pleasure, and the Charites, goddesses of joy, dancing and other amusements. The Theoi Mousikoi, or gods of music, also accompanied the feast.

THE THEOI GAMELIOI were the gods of marriage. The first of these were Zeus, Hera, and Aphrodite, but others included Hymenaios (Wedding Song), the Erotes (Loves), Peitho (Persuasion), the Charites (Graces), Eunomia (Good Order), Harmonia (Harmony) and Hebe (Youth).

THE THEOI GEORGIKOI were the gods of agriculture. Olympian Demeter was their leader, but for the most part these were non-Olympian chthonic gods.

THE THEOI GYMNASTIKOI were the gods of the gymnasium, athletics and the Games. The first of these were Hermes, Heracles and the Dioscuri. Nike (Victory) and Agon (Contest) were minor daemones of the Games. Eros, as the god of comradeship, was also frequently worshipped in the gymnasia.

THE THEOI HALIOI were the gods of the sea led by King Poseidon. Several of the other Olympian gods had minor maritime roles including Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite and the Dioscuri who presided over embarkations, harbours, safe voyage, and salvation from storms.

THE THEOI IATRIKOI were the gods of medicine and healing. These belonged to the train of Apollo and included his son the medicine-god Asclepius, and his family : Epione (Soothing), Hygeia (Good Health), Panaceia (Curative), Aegle (Radiance), Iaso (Healing), Aceso (Cure) and Telesphorus (Accomplisher).

THE THEOI KTESIOI were the gods of house and home. They were led by Zeus protector of the home (Ctesius) and of the family courtyard (Hicesius) along with Hestia, the goddess of the hearth. Hecate and Hermes were also important household gods who protected the gates and entranceways.

THE THEOI MANTIKOI were the gods of oracles, divination and prophecy. These were led by Apollo, the god or oracles and seers, and Zeus, the god of fate. Other oracular gods included the Titanesses Phoeibe (at Delphi) Themis (at Delphi and Dodona), Dione (at Dodona) and Mnemosyne (at Lebadeia). The god Hermes presided over certain primitive forms of diviniation including the casting of stones, coin-throwing oracles, and astrology. Lastly Pan and the Nymphs inspired the rustic prophets.

THE THEOI NOMIOI were the gods of the countryside and country pursuits, including hunting, fowling, fishing, and the herding of cattle and sheep. They were led by the Olympians Artemis (for hunting), Hermes (for herding) and Dionysus.

THE THEOI MOUSIKOI were the gods of music, dance and education in the arts. They were led by the Olympian twins Apollo and Artemis, the former presiding over music and poetry, and the latter over the choirs and dances of girls. Other important musical gods included the nine Muses, the dancing Charites or Graces, and the musical demi-gods Hymenaeus and Linos. Dionysus, Hermes and Aphrodite were also gods of music and the arts.

THE THEOI POLEMIKOI were the gods of war. These were led by Ares and Athena, and included gods such as Enyo, Eris (Strife), Nike (Victory), Deimos (Terror) and Phobos (Fear). Zeus, as the god of fate, and Apollo, as god of archery, also had wartime functions.

THE THEOI THESMIOI were the gods of divine law and custom. These were led by Zeus Nomius (of the Laws) and Demeter Thesmophorus (the Law Bringer). Lesser gods in this sphere included the Horae, specifically Dike (Justice), Eunomia (Good Order), and Irene (Peace), their mother Themis (Custom), and Apollo.

With these many roles, one would think that some of it would be given to one of the more popular gods, who has not been mentioned. And this author is quite sure you know of whom I speak. The God of Death, Hades.

Why was Hades, The Ruler of the Underworld and a member of The Big Three, not a part of any of the governing bodies? Why was a key figure such as he, not considered to be an Olympian?

Well the simplest answer would be because he ruled the Underworld, and thus was considered to have lived too far from Mt. Olympus. He was also busy governing over the many gods and goddesses who lived there with him. His job was also time consuming, what with many people dying everyday.

But one does wonder if there was some untold tension between the gods that the Ancient Greeks felt, and if that then, reflected in their creation of their myths and legends.

Nevertheless, these questions can be answered later. For now, we welcome you to Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods.