Zeus

God of the Sky (Zoos)

Distinguishing Features: Pinstriped suit, neatly trimmed grey beard, stormy eyes and a very
large, dangerous lightning bolt.
Now: On stormy days, he can be found brooding in his throne room in Mount Olympus, over the
Empire State Building in New York. Sometimes he travels the world in disguise, so be nice to
everyone! You never know when the next person you meet might be packing the master bolt.
Then: In the old days, Zeus ruled over his unruly family of Olympians while they bickered and
fought and got jealous of each other. Not much different than today, really. Zeus always had an
eye for beautiful women, which often got him in trouble with his wife, Hera. A less-than-stellar
father figure, Zeus once tossed Heras son Hephaestus off the top of Mount Olympus because the
baby was too ugly.
Symbol: Eagle
Roman name: Jupiter

Hera

Goddess of Marriage, Mothers and Families (Hairah)

Distinguishing Features: Usually prefers classic Greek dresses and a simple silver crown, though
she can blend in as needed. She usually appears as a beautiful older woman, and enjoys turning
into birds when she needs to hide or spy.
Now: She hangs out where family life is strongest: the car pool line at school, weekend soccer
games, and birthday parties. That strange woman you saw at Laser Quest, serving pizza and
singing Happy Birthday? Yes, that was probably her. As the goddess of family, Hera will be happy
to pack your lunch or comb your hair or give you a ride to school, but dont talk back to her.
When Hera is mad, she doesnt just ground you. Shes likely to smash you into the ground.
Then: Its tough to be the goddess of marriage in a family where everyone cheats on everybody.
Hera has no patience with demigods, the children of godly affairs. She was the enemy of Heracles
and many others, though she did have a soft spot for mortal heroes, like Jason. If an old woman
asks you to carry her piggyback across a river, do it. You might win the favor of a goddess!
Symbol: pomegranate, cow (the motherly animal no comments, please!), peacock
Roman name: Juno

Poseidon

God of the Sea (Po-sigh-dun)

Distinguishing Features: Hawaiian shirt, shorts, flip flops, and a three-pointed trident.
Now: Poseidon walks the beaches of Florida, occasionally stopping to chat with fishermen or take
pictures for tourists. If hes in a bad mood, he stirs up a hurricane.
Then: Poseidon was always a moody guy. On his good days, he did cool stuff like create horses
out of sea foam. On his bad days, he caused minor problems like destroying cities with
earthquakes or sinking entire fleets of ships. But hey, a god has the right to throw a temper
tantrum, doesnt he?
Symbol: Three-pointed trident
Roman name: Neptune

Demeter

Goddess of Agriculture (Duh-mee-ter)

Distinguishing Features: The goddess prefers simple dresses of green or gold, though you can
often find her in gardening clothes.
Now: Demeter divides her time between the upper world, where she oversees the growing
season and produces commercials encouraging people to eat more cereal products (part of a
balanced breakfast!), and the Underworld, where she visits her daughter Persephone and plays
the wicked mother-in-law to Hades, who kidnapped her poor little daughter eons ago. Hes still
not good enough for Persephone. She shouldve married the god of doctors!
Then: Demeter was one of the quieter goddess. As long as the crops were growing and the
farmers were happy, Demeter was content. But dont underestimate her importance. If you
wanted to eat, you had to make sure you kept on Demeters good side. When Hades stole her
daughter Persephone, Demeter stopped all plants from growing, and people started starving.
Hard to make a cheeseburger with no grain for bread and no grass for the cows.
Symbol: Torch, Corn plant (though popcorn works, too)
Roman name: Ceres

Ares

God of War (Air-eez)

Distinguishing Features: Biker leathers, Harley Davidson, sunglasses and a stinking attitude.
Now: Can be found riding his Harley around the suburbs of LA. One of those gods who could pick
a fight in an empty room.
Then: Back in the day, this son of Zeus and Hera used to be inseparable from his shield and
helmet. Fought on the side of the Trojans during the war of Troy, but, frankly, has been involved
in every minor skirmish since Goldilocks told the three bears that their beds were a little
uncomfy.
Symbol:A bloody spear, a wild boar (the animal with the nastiest attitude)
Roman name: Mars

Athena

Goddess of Wisdom, War, and Useful Arts (Ahthee-nah)

Distinguishing Features: Dark hair, striking grey eyes, casual yet fashionable clothes (except
when shes going into battle; then its full body armor). Athena is always accompanied by at least
one owl, her sacred (and fortunately housebroken) animal.
Now: Youre likely to spot Athena at an American university, sitting in on lectures about military
history or technology. She favors people who invent useful things, and will sometimes appear to
reward them with magical gifts or bits of useful advice (like next weeks lottery numbers). So
start working on that revolutionary new bread slicer!
Then: Athena was one of the most active goddesses in human affairs. She helped out Odysseus,
sponsored the entire city of Athens and made sure the Greeks won the Trojan War. On the
downside, shes proud and has a big temper. Just ask Arachne, who got turned into a spider for
daring to compare her weaving skills to Athenas. So whatever you do, DO NOT claim that you fix
toilets better than Athena. Theres no telling what shell turn you into.
Symbol: The owl
Roman name: Minerva

Apollo

God of archery, music, poetry, prophecy, medicine,

and later on the god of the sun. (Ah-paul-oh)
Distinguishing Features: Youve got to dig the shades. Apollo likes to look hot, and I dont mean
temperature. He typically looks like a movie star with the fashionably shabby clothes, the laid
back attitude, the brilliant smile, and the Ray Ban sunglasses. His sun chariot morphs into a fine
Maserati.
Now: Do NOT ask him to recite his poetry. Seriously. You can find Apollo cruising down Sunset
Avenue looking cool, or hanging out at parties chatting with writers or rock stars. He likes to be
the center of attention wherever he goes. Hes a nice enough guy, as long as you agree that hes
the coolest person on earth. Just dont get him angry, or he can get a little hot under the collar.
Then: Apollo was into everything, from music to medicine, probably because he thought he was
better at everything than anyone else. When the old sun god Helios retired, Apollo took over that
job too, though he was mostly thought of as the god of poetry and music. Apollo didnt take
criticism well. One time he asked King Midas to judge a contest between him and Pan, and when
Midas decided Pans music was better, Apollo gave the king donkey ears. The lesson: if someone
asks your opinion, think carefully before you answer.
Symbol: the lyre, laurel wreath
Roman name: Apollo (you can't improve on perfection, baby!)

Artemis

Goddess of the moon, the hunt, and young

maidens (Ar-tem-iss)
Distinguishing features: Artemis likes to appear as a regular mortal maiden of about twelve or
thirteen, but dont let that fool you. Artemis is deadly with her bow, and doesnt suffer fools,
especially male fools. Her eyes are silver like the moon, and she tends to dress in white and
silver.
Now: Artemis can be found roaming the countryside with her handmaidens, the Hunters of
Artemis. Imagine an immortal, very deadly Girl Scout troop, on a permanent camp out, hunting
monsters. Dont get in their way, and dont try to flirt with them. These Girl Scouts do NOT sell
cookies.
Then: Artemis enjoyed hunting with her handmaidens and basically kept to herself unless she
was bothered. Once a male hunter tried to spy on Artemis while she was bathing. The goddess
turned him into a deer and her hunters tracked him down and killed him. Basically, she doesnt
have much of a sense of humor when it comes to peeping toms.
Symbol: The moon, the deer
Roman name: Diana

Hephaestus

God of blacksmiths and fire (Huh-fess-tus)

Distinguishing Features: Ugly face, scraggly beard, massive powerful hands. Usually wears a
mechanics uniform with his name embroidered on the pocket so he doesnt forget who he is.
Now: The god likes to hang out in his workshop fixing cars and building inventions. Hes not very
good with people, but he can do anything with machines. You want a robot to do your homework,
or a life-sized metal giant to stomp on your enemies. Hephaestus can have one ready in a matter
of hours.
Then: Poor Hephaestus was ugly from birth, but he didnt get any prettier when his parents
chucked him down the side of Mount Olympus, making him a cripple forever after. Hes not much
to look at, but hes clever with his hands. The Olympians made Aphrodite marry him, thinking
that it would settle her down, but that didnt work out too well. Hephaestus is a jealous husband,
always on the lookout for that scoundrel Ares and anyone else who might want to flirt with his
wife (which is basically every man with a pulse).
Symbol: The anvil and hammer
Roman name: Vulcan (no Star Trek jokes, please)

Aphrodite

Goddess of Love and Beauty (-fro-d-tee)

Distinguishing Features: Shes really, really pretty. Its hard to be more specific, because
Aphrodite can change her appearance to become whatever you find most beautiful.
Now: Shes more beautiful than Angelina Jolie. She can often be found shopping on Fifth Avenue
or trying on new clothes during Fashion Week in New York. She loves parties, and cant get
enough of gossip. If that sounds like a lot of people you know, youre probably right. Any of them
might be Aphrodite in disguise.
Then: Shes more beautiful than Helen of Troy. Aphrodite wasnt afraid to use her beauty to get
what she wanted, either. She promised Prince Paris the most beautiful mortal woman in the world
if he judged Aphrodite the fairest goddess in a contest, and Paris readily agreed. When he got
Helen for his wife, it started the Trojan War and thousands died, but hey, at least Aphrodite got
what she wanted!
Symbol: the dove, which is odd, since its a symbol of peace and Aphrodite started a war, but oh
well. Looks are everything.
Roman name: Venus

Hermes

God of the Roadways, Travelers, Merchants and

Thieves (Her-meez)
Distinguishing Features: Joggers clothes and winged athletic shoes, a cell phone that turns into
the caduceus, his symbol of power a winged staff with two snakes, George and Martha,
entwined around it.
Now: Hermes is a hard person to find, because hes always on the run. When hes not delivering
messages for the gods, hes running a telecommunications company, an express delivery service,
and every other type of business you can imagine that involves travel. Did you have a question
about his activities as god of thieves? Leave a message. Hell get back to you in a few millennia.
Then: Hermes got started young as a troublemaker. When he was one day old, he sneaked out of
his crib and stole some cattle from his brother Apollo. Apollo probably wouldve blasted the young
tyke to bits, but fortunately Hermes appeased him with a new musical instrument he created
called the lyre. Apollo liked it so much he forgot all about the cows. The lyre made Apollo very
popular with the ladies, which was more than he could say about the cattle.
Symbol: the caduceus
Roman name: Mercury

Dionysus

God of Wine (D-oh-n-sus)

Distinguishing Features: Leopard-skin shirt, walking shorts, purple socks and sandals, the general
pasty demeanor of someone who has been up partying much too late.
Now: Dionysus has been sentenced to one hundred years of rehab as director of Camp HalfBlood. The only thing the god of wine can drink these days is Diet Coke, which doesnt make him
happy. He can usually be found playing pinochle with a group of terrified satyrs on the front porch
of the Big House. If you want to join the game, be prepared to bet large.
Then: Dionysus invented wine, which so impressed his father Zeus that he promoted Dionysus to
god. The guy who invented prune juice, by contrast, got sentenced to the Fields of Punishment.
Dionysus mostly spent his time partying it up in Ancient Greece, but once a crew of sailors tried
to kill him, thinking the god was too incapacitated to fight back. Dionysus turned them into
dolphins and sent them over the side. The moral of this story: Do not mess with a god, even a
drunk one.
Symbol: the leopard, the grape vine
Roman name: Bacchus

Hades

God of the Underworld (Hay-deez)

Distinguishing Features: Evil smile, helm of darkness (which makes him invisible, so you cant see
the evil smile), black robes sewn from the souls of the damned. He sits on a throne of bones.
Now: Hades rarely leaves his obsidian palace in the Underworld, probably because of traffic
congestion on the Fields of Asphodel freeway. He oversees a booming population among the dead

and has all sorts of employment trouble with his ghouls and specters. This keeps him in a foul
mood most of the time.
Then: Hades is best known for the romantic way he won his wife, Persephone. He kidnapped her.
Really, though, how would you like to marry someone who lives in a dark cave filled with zombies
all year round?
Symbol: the helm of darkness
Roman name: Pluto

Hypnos

God of Sleep (Hip-nos)

Distinguishing features: Hypnos appears as a young man with wings sprouting from his brow,
probably to keep him from doing a face plant whenever he falls asleep. He carries a poppy stem
and a branch dripping in water from the River Lethe, which can make you forget anything, even
tomorrows history test. Sometimes he is seen carrying an upside-down torch. Why? Probably
because the flames keep him awake.
Now: Hypnos lives in Erebos, deep in the Underworld, but can often be found trying out the
mattresses at the Sleep Shop. He is the son of Nyx (Night) and loves putting people to sleep. If
youre lucky, hell wait until you are actually in bed before he conks you out. If youre unlucky,
hell put you to sleep in the middle of algebra class. He is the brother of Thanatos (Death). But
unlike his brother, Hypnos might let you wake up eventually.
Then: Hypnos could be good or bad in ancient times. He brought rest and dreams, but he could
also sneak up on you and cause you to doze off at bad moments. In his Roman form of Somnus,
the god liked to make sentries fall asleep on duty (which was an automatic death sentence) or
make ship navigators fall asleep at the wheel. Somnus made me do it! is not a good defense
when trying to explain to your captain why you steered the trireme into the side of a cliff.
Roman name: Somnus

Nike

Goddess of Victory (Ni-key)

Distinguishing features: Nike has the wings of an angel and rides a chariot. She usually has a
golden laurel wreath handy to give to the winners of major battles, sports competitions, and the
state lottery.
Now: If you ever meet Nike, you should not say, Hey, isnt that a kind of sports shoe? unless
you want to lose every competition for the rest of your life. The goddess does not find it amusing
to be confused with footwear. You are likely to meet Nike at the World Series, the Superbowl, and
most other major sporting events, where she will be hovering overheard, deciding which team to
grant victory. She values bravery and skill, though she also likes a good halftime show.
Then: Nike was very popular, since everybody wanted victory. Olympic athletes would sacrifice to
her, as would soldiers before a big battle. Nike would sometimes serve as Athenas charioteer in
battle. After all, the goddess of victory is pretty much the best wheelman you can ask for.
Roman name: Victoria

Janus

God of beginnings, choices and doorways (Jaynus)

Distinguishing features: Kind of hard to miss Janus, since he has two faces. He can be a pain,
since he can never make up his mind and tends to argue with himself. On the bright side, he can
sing a solo in two-part harmony.
Now: Janus likes to dress as a New York City doorman. He shows up just when heroes have an

important choice to make, usually offering them two doors to choose from. At least one of the
doors typically leads to a nasty death. Janus isnt all bad. He can open many doors and he stands
for new beginnings, but think carefully before making choices. Janus wont let you change your
mind afterwards!
Then: Janus was one of the most important Roman gods. January, the beginning month of the
year, was named after him. Its said that Janus showed Saturn hospitality when he fled to Italy
after the Titan war, so Saturn gave Janus the power to see both the past and the future. Twice
the faces. Twice the fun! Gee, thanks, Saturn. Super gift.
Roman name: Janus (he has no Greek name)

Nemesis

Goddess of Revenge (Nim-uh-sis)

Distinguishing features: Nemesis is often pictured as a winged maiden, but dont confuse her with
Nike! The evil look in her eyes should tell you that this lady is not here to give you victory.
Nemesiss symbol is a scale, with which she measures how much fortune you actually deserve. If
youve gotten more than your fair share, she brings out her other tools a lash and a sword. She
also carries a wheel sometimes, symbolizing how fate can turn on you. Notice above she is
trampling some poor fool underfoot. She just loves doing that.
Now: Nemesis usually hangs around the classroom the day major projects are due. All those who
put off working until the last minute are likely to feel her lash. She hates it when things work out

for people who dont deserve it, and thinks her sister Fortuna is way too generous with the good
luck. Whenever you feel like things are going too well, like something bad has got to happen to
balance it out thats the shadow of Nemesis falling over you. Shes all about payback. If it
seems like somebody is out to get you, she is.
Then: Nemesis was feared more than she was worshipped. The Greeks and Romans didnt really
have the concept of karma, but Nemesis was pretty close. Whenever something good happens,
youd better look out, because Nemesis is probably watching, ready to balance things out with a
little bad luck. Watch your step and stay humble!
Roman name: Nemesis

Iris

Goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods

(Eye-ris) Distinguishing features: Iris appears as a beautiful maiden with wings (rainbowcolored, naturally) carrying the symbolic staff of a herald like Hermes. When shes not running
around delivering messages, she serves nectar to Zeus and Hera in the throne room on Olympus,
which is not as exciting but does let her rest her wings.
Now: Iris is constantly in demand to deliver Iris-messages for demigods. While this brings her a
lot of supplemental income, she does wish Zeus would let her upgrade her network to 4G, since
her coverage is spotty in many metropolitan areas.
Then: Iris was mostly the handmaiden to Hera. She never got much attention in the old myths,
but everyone was always happy to see her. Much like a rainbow, she would show up where you
least expected her and then disappear quietly. The colorful part of the eye, the Iris, is named
after her. Not much of a tribute, but better than nothing, I guess.
Roman name: Iris or Arcus

Hecate

Goddess of magic, crossroads and ghosts (Heckate or Heh-cah-tay)

Distinguishing features: Hecate is usually dressed in dark robes, holding twin torches (all the
better to see you and burn you with, my dear). She is accompanied by a she-dog and a polecat,
which used to be her enemies before she morphed them into animals. In later times, Hecate was
pictured as a woman with three heads, or three entirely different forms for morning, noon and
night. Talk about split personalities . . .
Now: Hecate is the daughter of the Titans, and although she sided with the gods in the Titan war,
shes a mysterious and crafty figure. Magic is her territory, and her followers include Circe and
Medea, who were not exactly girl scouts. You can find Hecate in foggy graveyards, or at
abandoned crossroads at night. If you see a woman with two torches, be nice to her, unless you
want to become one of her animal familiars.
Then: Hecate was a goddess to be feared. The Greeks and Romans respected her power, but
didnt usually worship her. She was the goddess of dark and unknown forces, and the fact that
she had three different forms meant you never knew whether she would be a good cop or a bad
cop. It was best just to steer clear!
Roman name: Hecate

Tyche

(Tike-ee) Goddess of good luck and fortune

Distinguishing features: Tyche can look just like Nemesis, her sister, which means youve got to
be careful. Sometimes good luck can look like bad luck, and vice versa! Tyche usually holds a
cornucopia, the horn of plenty, which is filled with nuts, berries, fruitcakes, bonbons, and all kinds
of goodies representing the fortunes she bestows on mankind. The horn of plenty has become a
symbol of Thanksgiving in America thanks to Tyche. She is also pictured with an orb a ball
which can roll in any direction, just as a reminder than good luck doesnt always roll your way.
Now: Tyche is a hard goddess to find. People are always looking for her at the racetrack, the
casino and the lottery ticket dealer, but she hardly ever hangs out there. She mostly likes to give
good luck to those who worked hard to get it. Nevertheless, sometimes Tyche gets random. Next
time you find a bag of cash in the street, you know whom to thank.
Then: People don't change! Back in the day, Greeks and Romans prayed for Tyche's favor at
gambling, contests, and competitions. Funny thing about Tyche, though. She hardly ever shows
up when you call. She prefers to surprise you. Sadly, her sister Nemesis does too.