Roman Gods and Goddesses

• Jupiter was the most powerful of the gods. Should he have to bring order, he would hurl a thunderbolt. Jupiter was not afraid of anyone or anything except perhaps his wife, Juno. Share in the adventure of Jupiter, Juno, and Little Io. Juno was the sister and wife of Jupiter, and thus, the Queen. Juno was the goddess of marriage, children, and the home. Neptune, the lord of the sea, was the brother of Jupiter. Neptune was very powerful. He could raise his hand and a new island would appear! People were terrified of Neptune, especially the people who made their home along the coast. Pluto, another brother of Jupiter, was the lord of the underworld. Come visit the River Styx! Find out what happened to the world when Pluto fell in love.

Mars, Jupiter's son, was the god of war. He tall and handsome but cruel and vain. Mercury was Jupiter's son and the messenger of the gods. Things were always going on in the roman mythical world. The job of messenger to the gods allowed Mercury to have the inside scoop on just about everything. There was a warmth about Mercury. The other gods trusted him. In fact, if it was not for Mercury, Apollo would not have his harp. Apollo was Jupiter's son and god of the sun, light and music. Come meet Apollo's Oracle at Delphi. Find out what happened when Apollo fell in love with Cassandra. Diana was goddess of the hunt and Apollo's twin sister. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom. Vesta was the goddess of hearth and home, and Juno's sister. Ceres was the goddess of the harvest, and Juno's other sister. Discover what the ancients thought was the reason for the seasons. Venus was the goddess of love and beauty. Venus did not set out to start the Trojan War, but that's what happened all the same. Vulcan was the son of Jupiter and Juno, and the husband of Venus, the goddess of love. Vulcan made the first woman out of clay. He named her Pandora.

Hercules was another of Jupiter's sons, although his mother was a mortal. Hercules was half man, half god, and very strong. Hercules had great adventures, discovered true friends, and rid the world of some really nasty critters. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. He carried a bow and arrow to shoot people. When you were shot with Cupid's arrow, you fell in love with the very next person you saw. Orpheus was the son of Apollo and Calliope. He was the most famous musician in the ancient world. The story of Eurydice and Orpheus is a famous love story. Pandora was the first woman formed out of clay by the gods. Jupiter ordered Vulcan to create her. Read the story of Pandora's Box. Pegasus was a winged horse who could fly. People were always trying to steal Pegasus, which caused them no end of trouble! Cerberus was the three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to the underworld. Cerberus was friendly to those arriving. He only became dangerous to those trying to leave without permission. The Muses were the 9 daughters of Jupiter and Mnomosyne. They made such beautiful music with their singing that it brought joy to everyone who heard them. The Muses were patrons of the arts and sciences.

• Ancient Greek & Ancient Roman GodsThe first name listed is the Greek name

The second name listed is the Roman name Zeus / Jupiter

Hera / Juno• Poseidon / Neptune• Hades / Pluto• Ares / Mars

• Hermes / Mercury• Apollo / Apollo• Artemis / Diana • Athena / Minerva • Hestia / Vesta• Demeter / Ceres• Aphrodite / Venus• Hephaestus / Vulcan• Heracles / Hercules• Eros / Cupid

• Orpheus / Orpheus• Pandora / Pandora• Pegasus / Pegasus• Cerberus / Cerberus