Some Important Gods

Some Important Gods

Zeus- He is the Greek god of thunder and the sky. He is the leader and father of the Greek pantheon. He rules from Mount Olympus. He fathered many children from many mothers both mortal and immortal alike.

Hera- She is the goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth. She is both wife and sister to Zeus. She is also known as the Queen of the Gods. She is mentioned as either a great enemy or protector to many Greek heroes.

Poseidon- He is the god of the sea. He is also known as “Earth Shaker” and the creator of horses. He is a brother to both Zeus and Hades.

Hades- He is the god of the underworld. He is often considered to be an outcast of the pantheon- he was usually not welcome on Olympus. He is Zeus and Poseidon’s brother.

Key Terms

Hubris- A theme of many Greek myths- this word is often used to describe Greek heroes/demi-gods or the reason why they do things

Definition: excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance; insolence

Myth/mythology- a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature

-> a body of myths, as that of a particular peopleor that relating to a particular person

Immortal- a person or describing a person that lives forever (and, in the case of these books, cannot be killed by a mortal weapon or physically die)

Solstice- When day and night are both 12 hours in one day. (in other words, equal) This event occurs twice a year; in summer and winter, they are often the center of many religious ceremonies all over the world.

In “Percy Jackson,” western civilization is described as an enduring, formidable abstract force. Do you think that “the west” is a clearly identifiable cultural force? Why or why not?I believe that “the west” is a strong cultural force. Countries all around the world look to America and major European countries such as England, France, and Germany as a leader when it comes to the economy, government, trends, and culture. Many countries that are becoming industrialized try to be more like “the west.” In other words, what is considered to be more “global” now.

Sources: theoi.com