Symbols of the Gods & Godesses in Greek Mythology
The gods and goddesses of Greek mythology consist of the Titans, the Olympians and various children of Olympians, spouses of Olympians and demigods. The first Olympians are the most important since they were the children of the two main Titans. In Greek mythology, there are symbols that represent objects or activities associated with specific gods.
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Peacock
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The symbol of Hera, the third wife and sister of Zeus, who was the king of the Greek Gods, is the peacock. The eye shaped markings on peacock feathers represent the eyes of the hundred-eyed giant -- Argos -- that Hera set on Io, one of her husband's lovers. Hera was jealous and vain, and spent much of her time harming Zeus' lovers, showing off her beauty like a peacock and punishing those who thought other women are more beautiful than she was.
Thunderbolt
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Zeus, the king of the Olympians, has three symbols -- the oak tree, the eagle and the thunderbolt. The oak tree is a symbol of Zeus' strength. The eagle represents Zeus' position over mortals and other gods. The thunderbolt is synonymous with Zeus. It is his weapon, which often appears in art as a lightning bolt or staff in his hands. He used it to manipulate weather and instill fear.
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Trident
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The trident is the symbol of Poseidon. He used it cause earthquakes. Poseidon was the brother of Zeus, son of Cronus and Rhea.
Helmet
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Hades was the ruler of the domain of the dead. He was also the abductor and husband of his niece, Persephone. The symbol of Hades is a helmet that makes anyone who wears it invisible. Perseus wore it when he killed Medusa. The helmet, like Zeus' thunderbolt and Poseidon's trident, were gifts from the Cyclops, a race of one-eyed giants.
Fire
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Hestia, while one of the principal goddesses and sister of the king of the gods, was not a prominent figure in Greek mythology. However, she was important as the goddess of the hearth. She was also the keeper of the sacred flame. Her symbol is fire.
Wheat
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Demeter was the mother of Persephone. She was the goddess of the harvest and the creator of winter. When Hades stole her daughter, she made every plant on Earth die. When Zeus saw her struggle, he forced Hades to allow Persephone to go home. However, Hades tricked Persephone into eating in the Underworld, which meant she had to return for part of every year. When Persephone is home, Demeter lets plants live again, thus the seasons. The symbol of Demeter is wheat because of her connections with the harvest and fruitfulness of plants.
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