Meaning of the myths of ancient Greece. Gods of ancient greece list

During Antiquity, mythology had a huge impact on people, closely fitting into everyday life and religious customs. The main religion of this period is pagan polytheism, which was based on a large pantheon of gods. The gods of ancient Greece had a special meaning and each performed its role. In different regions there was a cult of one or another god, which was largely determined by the peculiarity of life and way of life. This article provides a list and description of the gods.

The gods were humanized, endowing them with anthropomorphic demeanor. Ancient Greek mythology had a clear hierarchy - the titans, titanides and the younger generation of gods stood out, which gave rise to the Olympians. The Olympic gods are the supreme celestials who lived on Mount Olympus. It was they who had the greatest influence on the ancient Greeks.

ancient Greek gods the first generation - the ancient entities that gave rise to everything living and inanimate, are considered the creators of the world. They entered into a relationship, thanks to which other gods were born, who also belong to the first generation, as well as the titans. The progenitors of all the ancient Greek gods were Skotos (Mist) and Chaos. It was these two entities that gave rise to the entire primary pantheon of Ancient Greece.

The primary pantheon of the gods of ancient Greece:

• Nyukta (Nikta);
• Erebus (Darkness);
• Eros (Love);
• Gaia (Earth);
• Tartarus (Abyss);
• Uranus (Sky).

Virtually no description of each of these deities has been preserved, since subsequently the Olympians became key to the mythology of Ancient Greece.

Gods, unlike people, were allowed to enter into family ties, so children were often the fruits of incest.

The deities of the second generation are the titans, thanks to whom the Olympian gods were born. These are 6 sisters and 6 brothers who actively married among themselves and fought for power. The most revered titans are Kronos and Rhea.

Olympian Gods of Greece

These are the children and descendants of the children of Kronos and his wife Rhea. The titan Kronos was originally considered the god of agriculture, and later of time. He had a stern disposition and a thirst for power, for which he was overthrown, castrated and sent to Tartarus. His reign was replaced by the Olympian gods, led by Zeus. The life and relationships of the Olympians are detailed in ancient Greek legends and myths, they were worshiped, respected and offered gifts. There are 12 main gods.

Zeus

The younger son of Rhea and Kronos, is considered the father and patron of people and gods, personified good and evil. He opposed his father, overthrowing him in Tartarus. After that, power on earth was divided between him and his brothers - Poseidon and Hades. He is the patron of lightning and thunder. Its attributes were a shield and an ax, later an eagle began to be depicted next to it. Zeus was loved, but they were also afraid of his punishment, so they brought valuable gifts.

People represented Zeus as a strong and robust middle-aged man. He had noble features, thick hair and a beard. In the myths, Zeus was portrayed as a character in love stories that deceived earthly women, as a result of which he gave rise to many demigods.

Hades

The eldest son of Kronos and Rhea, after the overthrow of the reign of the titans, became a god underworld the dead. He was personified by people as a man over 40 years old, who moved on a golden chariot drawn by golden horses. He is credited with a terrible environment, for example, Cerberus - a dog with three heads. It was believed that he owns the untold riches of the underworld, so they feared and respected him, sometimes more than Zeus. Married to Persephone, whom he kidnapped, thereby causing the wrath of Zeus and the inconsolable grief of Demeter.

Among people, they were afraid to pronounce his name aloud, replacing it with various epithets. One of the few gods whose cult was practically not widespread. During rituals, cattle with black skins, most often bulls, were sacrificed to him.

Poseidon

The middle son of Kronos and Rhea, after defeating the titans, took possession of the water element. According to myths, he lives in a majestic palace in the underwater depths, along with his wife Amphitrite and his son Triton. Moves by sea on a chariot drawn by sea horses. Wields a trident with great power. His blows led to the formation of springs and underwater springs. In ancient drawings, he is depicted as a powerful man with blue eyes, like the color of the sea.

The Greeks believed that he had a heavy temper and a quick temper, which was opposed to the calmness of Zeus. The cult of Poseidon was widespread in many coastal cities of ancient Greece, where rich gifts were brought to him, including girls.

Hera

One of the most revered goddesses of Ancient Greece. She was the patroness of marriage and matrimony. She had a tough temper, jealousy and big love to power. She is the wife and sister of her brother Zeus.

In the myths, Hera is depicted as a power-hungry woman who sends disasters and curses on the numerous mistresses of Zeus and their children, which leads to grins and funny antics from her husband. Every year she bathes in the Kanaf spring, after which she again becomes a virgin.

In Greece, the cult of Hera was widespread, she was the protector of women, she was worshiped and brought gifts to help during childbirth. One of the first deities to whom a sanctuary was built.

Demeter

Second daughter of Kronos and Rhea, sister of Hera. The goddess of fertility and the patroness of agriculture, therefore, was highly respected by the Greeks. There were large cults on the territory of the country, it was believed that it was impossible to get a harvest without bringing a gift to Demeter. It was she who taught people how to cultivate the land. She appeared as a young woman of beautiful appearance with curls the color of ripe wheat. The most famous myth is about the abduction of her daughter by Hades.

Descendants and children of Zeus

In the mythology of ancient Greece, the born sons of Zeus are of great importance. These are gods of the second order, each of which was the patron of one or another activity of people. According to the legends, they often came into contact with the inhabitants of the earth, where they weaved intrigues and built relationships. Key ones:

Apollo

The people called him "radiant" or "shining". He presented himself as a golden-haired young man, endowed with an extraterrestrial beauty of appearance. He was a patron of the arts, a patron of new settlements and a healer. Widely revered by the Greeks, large cults and sanctuaries have been found at Delos and Delphi. He is the patron and mentor of music.

Ares (Arey)

The god of a bloody and tough war, which is why he was often opposed to Athena. The Greeks represented him as a mighty warrior with a sword in his hand. In later sources, he is depicted next to a griffin and two companions - Eris and Enyo, who sowed discord and anger among people. In myths, he is described as the lover of Aphrodite, in whose relationship many deities and demigods were born.

Artemis

The patroness of hunting and female chastity. It was believed that bringing gifts to Artemis would bring happiness in marriage and facilitate childbirth. Often depicted next to a deer and a bear. The most famous temple was in Ephesus, later she was the patroness of the Amazons.

Athena (Pallas)

Highly revered goddess in Ancient Greece. She was the patroness of organized warfare, wisdom and strategy. Later it became a symbol of knowledge and crafts. She was portrayed by the ancient Greeks as a tall and well-coordinated woman, with a spear in her hand. Temples to Athena were erected everywhere, the cult of veneration was widespread.

Aphrodite

The ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love, later considered the patron of fertility and life. It had a huge influence on the entire pantheon, both people and gods were in its power (except for Athens, Artemis and Hestia). She was the wife of Hephaestus, but she is credited with love affairs with Ares and Dionysus. Depicted with flowers of roses, myrtle or poppy, apple. Her retinue included doves, sparrows and dolphins, and Eros and numerous nymphs were her companions. The largest cult was located in the city of Paphos, located on the territory of modern Cyprus.

Hermes

Extremely controversial god of the ancient Greek pantheon. He patronized trade, eloquence and dexterity. He was depicted with a winged rod, around which two snakes were entwined. According to the legends, he was able to reconcile them, wake up and put people to sleep. Hermes is often depicted wearing sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, as well as with a lamb on his shoulder. Often, not only helped the inhabitants of the earth, but also weaved intrigues, bringing citizens together.

Hephaestus

The blacksmith god, who is the patron of blacksmithing and construction. It was he who made the attributes of most of the gods, and also made lightning for Zeus. According to legend, Hera gave birth to him without the participation of her husband, from her thigh in revenge for the birth of Athena. Often depicted as a broad-shouldered and ugly man, lame in both legs. He was the legal husband of Aphrodite.

Dionysus

The youngest Olympian god, widely loved by the ancient Greeks. He is the patron of winemaking, vegetation, fun and madness. His mother is an earthly woman, Semele, who was killed by Hera. Zeus personally carried the child from 6 months, giving birth to him from the thigh. According to myths, this son of Zeus invented wine and beer. Dionysus was revered not only by the Greeks, but also by the Arabs. Often depicted with a staff tipped with hops and a bunch of grapes in his hand. The main retinue is satyrs.

The ancient Greek pantheon is represented by several dozen major gods, deities, mythical creatures, monsters and demigods. The legends and myths of Antiquity have many interpretations, since different sources were used in the description. The ancient Greeks loved and respected all the gods, they were worshiped, brought gifts and turned for blessing and cursing. Ancient Greek mythology was expounded in detail by Homer, who described all major events and the appearance of the gods.

dialectic religion philosophy socrates

How to explain why a volcano erupts, lightning rumbles, there is a drought, or the sea storms, destroying everything in its path? The ancient Greeks found the answer - the actions of the Gods. The mythology of Ancient Greece is a whole world order with a large family of Gods, an explanation of all natural phenomena and forces that control human life. What were the myths about? Did mortals become heroes of legends? Where is the fiction, and where is the truth?

Greek mythology or the mythology of ancient Greece arose much later than most of the ancient ideas of the Greek people about the world. The Hellenes, like other peoples of antiquity, sought to somehow unravel the formidable and often incomprehensible natural phenomena, to know those mysterious unknown forces that govern human life.

The fantasy of the ancient Greeks and gave rise to ancient Greek mythology, inhabited the world good and evil fabulous creatures: dryads settled in groves and trees, nymphs in rivers, oreads in mountains, oceanids in oceans and seas. The image of nature, wild and rebellious, was personified by centaurs and satyrs. When studying Greek mythology, it becomes clear that the world at that time was ruled by immortal gods, kind and wise. They lived on the top of the huge Mount Olympus and were presented as beautiful and perfect creatures, similar in appearance to people. They were a single family, the head of which was Zeus the Thunderer.

The virtues of the ancient Greeks were considered moderation, justice, courage, prudence. One of the invariably punished sins was "hubris" - criminal pride, opposition to the divine will.

The humanization of divine beings is a characteristic feature of the Greek religion, which made it possible to make Greek mythology closer to ordinary people. External beauty was considered as the highest measure of perfection. So, the mighty forces of nature, previously beyond the control of either man, let alone his influence, became understandable, became more understandable and understandable to the imagination of an ordinary person.

The Greek people became the creator of myths and legends, unique in their beauty, about the life of people, gods and heroes. AT ancient Greek mythology memories of a distant, long-forgotten past and poetic fiction merged into one. Separate legends about the Greek gods were combined into complex cosmogonic legends (about the emergence of man and the world). Greek mythology is a primitive attempt to comprehend reality, to give the whole natural picture expediency and harmony, to expand life experience.

According to myth, a white lily - a symbol of innocence and purity - grew from the milk of the goddess Hera, who found the baby Hercules and wanted to give him milk. But the boy, sensing an enemy in her, pushed her away, and the milk spilled across the sky, forming the Milky Way. A few drops fell to the ground and turned into lilies.

The unforgettableness of the myths and legends of ancient Greece is explained extremely simply: no other human creation is distinguished by such richness and fullness of images. In the future, philosophers and historians, poets and artists, sculptors and writers turned to ancient Greek mythology, drawing ideas from their own works in the inexhaustible sea of ​​​​legendary plots, introducing new ideas into myths. mythological worldview, which corresponded to that historical period.

Above all else, there was infinite Chaos in the world. It was not a void - it contained the origins of all things, gods and people. In the beginning, from Chaos arose the mother earth - the goddess Gaia and the sky - Uranus. From their union came the Cyclopes - Bront, Sterop, Arg ("thunder", "shine", "lightning"). Their only eye shone high in the middle of their foreheads, turning the underground fire into heavenly fire. The second, Uranus and Gaia, gave birth to the hundred-armed and fifty-headed hecatoncheir giants - Kotta, Briareus and Giesa (“anger”, “strength”, “arable land”). And finally, a great tribe of titans was born.

There were 12 of them - six sons and daughters of Uranus and Gaia. The ocean and Tethys gave birth to all rivers. Gipperion and Theia became the ancestors of the Sun (Helios), the Moon (Selene) and the pink-fingered dawn (Eos). From Iapetus and Asia came the mighty Atlas, who now holds the firmament on his shoulders, as well as the cunning Prometheus, the narrow-minded Epimetheus and the daring Menetius. Two more pairs of titans and a titanide gave birth to gorgons and other amazing creatures. But the future belonged to the children of the sixth couple - Krona and Rhea.

Food, drinks and things were sacrificed to the gods. Animal sacrifices - hecatombs - were widespread. The libation of drinks (libation) was also popular, and during disasters, people or animals expelled from the settlement to avert the wrath of the gods (farmaki).

Uranus did not like his offspring and he threw the Cyclopes and the hundred-armed giants into Tartarus, a terrible abyss (which was both a living being and had a neck). Then Gaia, indignant at her husband, persuaded the titans to rise up against Heaven. All of them attacked Uranus and deprived him of power. From now on, Kron, the most cunning of the titans, has become the ruler of the world. But he did not release the former captives from Tartarus, fearing their strength.

We know little about what life on earth was like at that time. The Greeks called the reign of Cronus the Golden Age. However, it was foretold to this new ruler of the world that he would in turn be overthrown by his son. Therefore, Kron decided on a terrible measure - he began to swallow his sons and daughters. He swallowed Hestia first, then Demeter and Hera, then Hades and Poseidon. The very name Cron means “time” and it is not for nothing that people say that time swallows up its sons. The last child - Zeus, was replaced by his unfortunate mother Rhea with a stone wrapped in a diaper. Kronos swallowed the stone, and the young Zeus was hidden on the island of Crete, where he was fed with her milk by the magical goat Amalthea.

When Zeus became an adult, he managed to free his brothers and sisters by cunning, and they began to fight against Kron and the titans. For ten years they fought, but victory was not given to either side. Then Zeus, on the advice of Gaia, freed the hundred-handed and cyclops languishing in Tartarus. From now on, the Cyclopes began to forge his famous lightning bolts to Zeus. The Hundred-Hands rained down on the titans a hail of stones and rocks. Zeus and his brothers and sisters, who became known as gods, were victorious. They, in turn, threw the titans into Tartarus (“where the roots of the sea and the earth are hidden”) and assigned hundred-armed giants to guard them. The gods themselves began to rule the world.

The planet Mars bears the name of the god of war Ares-Mars, because it has a red, "bloody" color. And its satellites, discovered in 1877, are named after the sons of Ares - Phobos (the god of fear) and Deimos (the god of horror).

Three brothers - Zeus, Poseidon and Hades divided the universe among themselves. The middle brother Poseidon inherited the sea. He took the beautiful Amphitrite as his wife and lives with her in a wonderful underwater palace. Their son Triton, who was represented as combining the features of a man, a horse and a fish, blowing into a sea shell, causes terrible storms. Poseidon himself loves to race across the stormy sea in a chariot drawn by sea horses and shaking his formidable trident. The blue curls of the great god are fluttering in the wind. Poseidon is surrounded by Nereids - the beautiful daughters of the sea elder Nereus and Proteus - who changes his appearance like the sea and has the gift of prediction (on the facades of some St. Petersburg houses and lattices we can see some of these amazing creatures).

The younger brother, dark-haired Hades, the owner of the invisibility cap, received the underworld in control. He married Persephone, the daughter of Zeus himself. Sad life in the kingdom of Hades (which is also called Hades). It is surrounded by the river Styx, through which the souls of the dead are transported by the stern old man Charon. The entrance is guarded by the formidable three-headed dog Cerberus, who does not let anyone back. Those who fall into Hades have, however, a different fate. The souls of people whose good and bad deeds equalize each other, “ dressed in clothes wings” wander among meadows overgrown with pale tulips and groves of black poplars. The souls of villains and perjurers suffer severe punishments (for example, the deceiver Sisyphus must always lift a heavy stone up the mountain, which, as soon as it reaches the top, immediately rolls down). The souls of the righteous dwell in Elysium, the land of the never-setting sun and the Isles of the Blessed. They say that Cron rules there, who was pardoned by his son Zeus.

The ancient Greeks had not only powerful gods, but also smaller, "everyday" deities. For example, Aloe, the son of Poseidon, was revered as a deity of threshed grain.

Zeus, revered as the elder and "king of the gods", received heaven and earth during the division. He married Hera (“lady”), who became the patroness of family and marriage. They had beautiful daughters Ilithyia and Hebe and sons - the master Hephaestus and the warlike Ares. The magnificent home of the gods is located on Mount Olympus, where summer reigns forever. Young Hebe brings ambrosia and nectar to the gods at feasts - the food of the gods. Zeus, in the form of a mature, black-haired man, proudly sits on a golden throne. Next to him is his sacred eagle. Near the throne stands Irida with rainbow wings - the messenger of the gods.

Along with the gods, heroes, or titans, were "involved" in the myths. Heroes were considered semi-divine personalities, standing between gods and people. Heroes were people who really existed, historical figures- Athenian commander (Miltiades), statesmen (Solon), founders philosophical schools, the largest poets, whose work played a big role in the life of the Greeks. Their tombs were often located in the center of cities as a reminder of past exploits. There were heroes and legendary figures created by folk fantasy.

One of the most famous and noble martyr heroes in mythology was Prometheus, who rendered an invaluable service to the human race. Among the favorite folk heroes was Hercules, endowed with huge force. Literally, his name means "performing feats because of the persecution of Hera." When Hera planned to kill the infant Hercules by setting two snakes on him, Hercules strangled them. Surpassing everyone in strength, not knowing rivals in military exercises, Hercules performed 12 labors. Among them is the killing of a monstrous lion; the destruction of the hydra - a monster with a snake body and nine dragon heads; the extermination of the Stymphalian birds that devastated the area, chasing animals and people, tearing them apart with their copper beaks, and many others. These and other episodes form a whole cycle of exciting short stories.

There are many scientific and pseudo-scientific disputes around mythology in general, and myths in particular. Moreover, the mythology is not only ancient Greek, but also classical European. So what are these myths? Some attribute them to culture, others to religion, others to both the first and the second, as if in a mix, saying modern language. Still others consider myths to be almost historical knowledge.

Why are myths needed?

One thing is undeniable and proven by facts and artifacts: mythology is the oldest human essence. The time of appearance of mythological images is difficult to identify, but it is associated with the origin of language and human consciousness. Mythology did not originate with gods and others mythical creatures, but to substantiate and display them from the point of view and thinking that were inherent in mankind at a particular stage of its development. Myths are the rituals of life, the reason for the search for the meaning of life.

But back to our topic - the myths of ancient Greece and the list of names. In Hellas, mythology gave a strong impetus to the development of culture and art (sculpture), even the religion of polytheism and a single god. Even then, the genres of modern theatrical and cinematographic art - tragedy and comedy - arose.

An important point. The gods are not ideal beings. Among them, like people, there were vices. This is envy, meanness and murders were committed, including children, and also in order to eliminate competitors in order to advance in the hierarchy of the gods. Just one example. Gaia, the goddess of the earth, revolted against her husband, and after the victory of the Olympians over the titans with her sons, she launched an attack on the pantheon of Olympus. She gave birth to a hundred-headed monster - Typhon, on whom she pinned hopes to destroy humanity.

Gods of Ancient Greece

Classified by three generations. Let's make a list of the gods of the third stage. Especially the composition that is known as the Olympians. Their family descended from Kronos (Chronos - time) - the first divine leader of Greece. According to some reports, he is the last son of Gaia. And the long era of the Olympic rulers of the sky and all life on earth began.

Zeus the Thunderer (Rom. Jupiter) is the son of the father of the gods and the father of the gods himself. Kronos learned the prediction of his mother, who became a Delphic soothsayer, that his children would overthrow him. To prevent this from happening, he swallowed them.

The wife of Rhea saved only the last son, Zeus. As a child, she gave him to be raised by nymphs on the still undeveloped island of Crete. When he grew up, he immediately overthrew his father from his ruled heavenly fiefdom.

The secret that helped the Thunderer to avoid death was revealed by Prometheus. He predicted who he shouldn't marry. So Zeus became immortal, and his power on Olympus became eternal.

All ancient Greek gods and their areas of responsibility.

Poseidon (Neptune), brother of the head of the pantheon on Mount Olympus, personified physical strength and character - courage and unbridled temper. He created elements on the water, sank ships, caused hunger on earth. He was personified with incomprehensible then earthquakes. Poseidon compensated for his sabotage with generous gifts, but then again he messed up.

Hera (Juno)

The sister and wife of the Thunderer, and therefore was the main among the female group of deities. Supervised the fortress of marriage and marital fidelity. She was very jealous, did not forgive betrayals even to Zeus. She tried in every possible way to harm his illegitimate son - Hercules (Hercules).

Apollo (Phoebus)

God of the brightest light. Later, the cult expanded into ideas of creative grace and healing (father of the god of doctors Asclepius). Aristocratic features are borrowed from the images of Asia Minor. The cult spread widely in Italy after the Roman conquests of Greece.

Artemis (Diana)

Sister of Apollo. Like the cult of the brother, respect for her is brought to Greece from outside. Artemis is associated with forests, in general, she patronizes everything that grows and bears fruit. Welcomed birth and sexual relations.

Athena (Minerva)

The goddess, in which it is not clear how spiritual comfort and wisdom, militancy and amazing femininity coexisted. According to mythology, Zeus (from his curly head) she was born already armed with a spear. And only she, as a goddess, was allowed to wage so-called just wars. Apparently, the Olympians believed that such military seizures of something could be justified.

It is difficult to list everything that Athena patronized: from agriculture to the sciences and art, and her influence spread even further. Cities were created in her name. No wonder the capital of Greece is named after this goddess. In all its glory, the ancient Greek sculptor Phidias depicted.

Hermes (Mercury).

If we collect in one list everything that fell under the protection of the gods, it will become clear what the ancient Greeks were worried about. After all, the gods were created, to put it bluntly, by them. Here, in connection with Hermes, it is clear that the Greeks were concerned about the construction of roads, merchant trade within the country and with neighbors, since they endowed Hermes with these patronage powers.

He was known as a dodgy god, capable of cunning when necessary, but he also had knowledge of foreign languages. Obviously, in earthly life there should have been such specialists, since God was placed above them.

Aphrodite (Venus or Cyprida)

Keeper of love and feminine beauty. Known epic about her and Adonis, adopted from the myths ancient east. Her son Eros (Cupid) was depicted in the paintings, where he ignites the flame of love in people with arrows.

Hephaestus (Volcano).

Already from the Roman name it is clear what the god was doing: he created fire and roar. This is how it is shown in the myths. But as is well known, the activity of the volcano is not subject to either people or gods. Later, Hephaestus "retrained" and became the patron of artisans, in blacksmithing. After all, there, too, a fire always blazes for melting metal. Although he was lame, he became the husband of Aphrodite.

Unlike Aphrodite, who personified the unbridled power of nature, the goddess directed nature to serve the farmers. Under the leadership of Demeter was the life of man until death.

Ares (Mars).

Unlike Athena, this god acted through deceit, treason and cunning. He loved the bloody war and for the sake of war. Homer wrote about a warrior with a very dangerous weapon, but did not classify the weapon. Ares, like all members of the pantheon, was loved by ancient sculptors. The warrior was depicted naked, but with a helmet on his head and with a sword.

Hestia.

Her cult is the fire of the hearth. The altar of the goddess was supposed to be in every house where the hearth burned.

ancient greek mythology was one of the most striking phenomena that reflected on the entire world civilization. It appeared already in the primitive worldview of the ancient Greek tribes back in the period of matriarchy. Mythology immediately absorbed animistic and fetishistic ideas.

The cult of ancestors and totemism, which the ancient Greeks also did not pass, were subjected to mythological justification. In a word, the religion of the ancient Greeks began with mythology, found its best expression in mythology, reached its perfection in Olympian mythology.

Olympic mythology- this is the general Greek mythology of the period of patriarchy. The researchers noted an interesting point: the names of local gods or places of their veneration became epithets of common gods.

olympic pantheon headed by the "father of all gods and people" Zeus. He lives on Olympus, all the gods are completely subordinate to him. All Olympian gods are anthropomorphic, not only general image, but, so to speak, in details: they are physically identical to people, they have all human qualities, including negative ones, which sometimes disgrace these gods. They eat and drink, they swear, they are born and they die.

Next to the Olympic pantheon of gods, a significant number of mythical heroes arise who tame monsters that harm people. The anthropomorphism of ancient Greek mythology was evidence of awareness of their place in the world, the growth of their power over the forces of nature, a sense of its social significance.

Subsequently, the anthropomorphic Greek gods are increasingly gaining in importance as the personification of the abstract forces of nature and society.

In Hellenistic literature, and then in the Roman epic, mythology, in addition to religious, acquires both literary and artistic significance, it provides the artist with material for allegories and metaphors, creates images of types and characters.

But the main thing for ancient Greek mythology is its functionality - it becomes the basis for the formation of ideas, determines the fetishism and magic of the ancient Greek religion.

Ancient Greek mythology, full of harmony and feeling real life, becomes the basis of realistic art not only in antiquity, but also later, in the Renaissance, up to our times.

Brought up on strict observance of laws and norms, the ancient Greeks carefully treated the implementation of cult provisions. Great importance they gained the cult of the god of the sun, light, wisdom and art of Apollo, a sanctuary in the Delta was dedicated to him. The Delphic priests and oracles of Apollo had great authority, they could interfere in state affairs and seriously influence events.

Another significant cult of that time was the cult of Demeter, the goddess of fertility and agriculture, as well as legislation, since agriculture required a settled life and stability in life. A sanctuary was dedicated to him at Eleusis, near Athens. Traditionally, for hundreds of years, mysteries took place in this sanctuary - mysterious rites with the participation of only initiates. The first stage of initiation was songs and dances at night on the feast of the Great Eleusis. At the second stage, they gathered in the sanctuary itself, where a dramatic performance was performed about the abduction of the daughter of Demeter by the god of the underworld Hades - Persephone(Cora). It was a symbol of the dying and sprouting grain, the original act of fertility, the mystery of eternal life. Initiates in cult Demeters gained rights to eternal life after death. True, at the same time, the practical Greeks did not forget about the requirements of a pious, virtuous life. To the Eleusinian mysteries not allowed, for example, those who shed someone's blood. It was also required to fulfill state and public duties. Subsequently, Greater Eleusinia was recognized as a national holiday.

In the archaic era, there was a significant change with the cult of Dionysus, he became the god of vegetation, viticulture and production, he was put on a par with Apollo, he began to personify the ideas of the immortality of the human soul.

Religious and philosophical movement is connected with the cult of Dionysus and Demeter Orphics, which was supposedly laid by the mythical singer Orpheus, the son of the god of the rivers Eagra and the muse Calliope. The myth tells of the death of his wife Eurydice, who was bitten by a snake. Wanting to bring his beloved woman back to life, Orpheus descended into the underworld. By playing the kifri and singing, he charmed the guardian of the underworld Kerberos, as well as Persephene. Orpheus was allowed to take the woman with him. But he, leading her upstairs, must not look back. But curiosity overcame him, he did look back (not at the beautiful Persofene?) and lost Eurydice. But Orpheus acquired knowledge about the soul. He told people that the soul is the beginning of goodness, part of the deity, and the body is the secret of the soul. After the release of the soul from the mortal body, it continues to exist, reincarnates. Orpheus is even credited with the doctrine of metempsychosis - the transmigration of the soul from one body to another.

Doctrine Orphics in the next it was perceived by philosophers (Neoplatonists) and Christian theologians.

In characterizing the mythology of the archaic era, we must pay attention to its connection with philosophy, as has just been discovered when considering the ancient Greek doctrine of immortal soul. The mythological, magnificently described ancient Greek religion did not have time to gain frozen dogmatic forms, as it was, for example, in Judaism. She did not have time to sharply isolate herself from philosophy and from science in general. The priesthoods did not form a social group, did not become a caste. Rational thinking, which became an essential feature of the culture of that period, did not pass through religious thought and was present in mythology. So philosophical, scientific and religious thinking went side by side. Sometimes they interfered with each other, sometimes they complemented each other. It was a single stream spiritual development, which crystallized in the rich spiritual culture of the ancient Greeks.

Greek religion and religious holidays

A peninsula in northeastern Greece, the eastern ledge of the peninsula of Halkidiki, which extends far into the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea, approximately 80 km long and about 12 km wide, is called Holy Mount Athos. It is a mountainous area covered with forest and numerous rocky ravines. The southeastern part of the Holy Mountain is occupied by Mount Athos, which has raised its peak to 2033 m above sea level.

Vacation in Greece. Hitchhiking in Greece: is it real?

Hitchhiking in Greece is very interesting way travels. The opportunity to see new countries with a minimum of costs and things will allow you to get new impressions, get acquainted with interesting people to see life in all its versatility.

Unusual ancient Greek Acropolis

In the center of the most ancient part of the capital of Greece, Athens, there is a rocky, steep hill rising above the city to a height of more than 130 m. The first settlements on this hill date back to the Stone Age, i.e. several millennia BC, the present era. During the period of the so-called Mycenaean culture, in the second millennium BC, a fortress was erected here.

Historical heritage of ancient Macedonia

Imagine the majestic building of the ancient Greek amphitheater ... A festive procession dedicated to the wedding of Cleopatra, the daughter of the Macedonian king Philip II and the king of Epirus Alexander. Hundreds of people, who had taken their seats still dark, at dawn suddenly witnessed an amazing and terrible picture: 12 statues of the main Olympic gods, skillfully made by the best architects of Greece, solemnly appeared on the square.

In ancient Greece, two groups of gods stand out: the titans, the gods of the second generation, and the Olympian gods, or Olympians, the gods of the third generation. That is, there were two main groups of gods:

Titans - gods of the second generation

• Six brothers - Oceanus, Kay, Crius, Gipperion, Iapetus, Kronos.
• Six sisters - Thetis, Phoebe, Mnemosyne, Teia, Themis, Rhea.

Who gave birth to a new generation: Prometheus, Atlas, Helios (personification of the sun), Summer, Menetius, Asterius, Selena (personification of the moon), Electra, Eos (personification of the dawn), Epimetheus.

Olympian gods (Olympians) - gods of the third generation

• The Olympians included the children of Kronos and Rhea: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus, as well as their descendants - Hephaestus, Hermes, Persephone, Aphrodite, Dionysus, Athena, Apollo and Artemis. supreme god was Zeus, who deprived the father of Kronos of power.
• The Greek pantheon of the Olympian gods traditionally included 12 gods, but the composition of the pantheon was not very stable and sometimes consisted of 14-15 gods.
• Usually they were: Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Demeter, Hestia, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Dionysus, Hades.
• The Olympic gods lived on the sacred Mount Olympus (Olympos) in Olympia, off the coast of the Aegean Sea.

Details

The main gods in Ancient Hellas were those that belonged to the younger generation of celestials. Once it took power over the world from the older generation, personifying the main universal forces and elements (see about this in the article The Origin of the Gods of Ancient Greece). The gods of the older generation are usually called titans. Having defeated the titans, the younger gods, led by Zeus, settled on Mount Olympus. The ancient Greeks honored 12 Olympian gods. Their list usually included Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hephaestus, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Ares, Aphrodite, Demeter, Hermes, Hestia. Hades is also close to the Olympian gods, but he does not live on Olympus, but in his underworld.

• Zeus is the main deity of ancient Greek mythology, the king of all other gods, the personification of the boundless sky, the lord of lightning. In Roman religion, he was associated with Jupiter.
• Poseidon - the god of the seas, among the ancient Greeks - the second deity in importance after Zeus. As the personification of the changeable and stormy water element, Poseidon was closely associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity. In Roman mythology, he was identified with Neptune.
• Hades is the lord of the gloomy underground kingdom of the dead, inhabited by the incorporeal shadows of the dead and terrible demonic creatures. Hades (Hades), Zeus and Poseidon made up the triad of the most powerful gods of Ancient Hellas. As ruler of the depths of the earth, Hades was also associated with agricultural cults, with whom his wife, Persephone, was closely associated. The Romans called it Pluto.
• Apollo - originally the god of sunlight, whose cult then received a wider meaning and connection with the ideas of spiritual purity, artistic beauty, medical healing, retribution for sins. Like a patron creative activity considered the head of the nine muses, as a healer - the father of the god of doctors Asclepius. The image of Apollo among the ancient Greeks was formed under the strong influence of Eastern cults (the Asia Minor god Apelun) and carried refined, aristocratic features. Apollo was also called Phoebus. Under the same names, he was revered in Ancient Rome
• Hermes is the most ancient pre-Greek god of roads and field boundaries, all borders separating one from the other. Due to his primordial connection with the roads, Hermes was later revered as a messenger of the gods with wings on his heels, the patron of travel, merchants and trade. His cult was also associated with ideas about resourcefulness, cunning, subtle mental activity (skillful differentiation of concepts), knowledge of foreign languages. The Romans have Mercury.
• Ares is the wild god of war and battle. In ancient Rome, Mars.
• Eros is the son of Aphrodite, a divine boy with a quiver and a bow. At the request of his mother, he shoots well-aimed arrows that kindle incurable love in the hearts of people and gods. In Rome - Cupid.
• Hymen is the companion of Aphrodite, the god of marriage. According to his name, wedding hymns were also called hymens in ancient Greece.
• Hephaestus is a god whose cult in the era of hoary antiquity was associated with volcanic activity - fire and roar. Later, thanks to the same properties, Hephaestus became the patron of all crafts associated with fire: blacksmithing, pottery, etc. In Rome, the god Vulcan corresponded to him.
• Dionysus is the god of winemaking and those violent natural forces that bring a person to insane delight. Dionysus was not one of the 12 "Olympic" gods of Ancient Greece. His orgiastic cult was borrowed comparatively late from Asia Minor. The popular veneration of Dionysus was opposed to the aristocratic service of Apollo. From frenzied dances and songs at the feasts of Dionysus later came the ancient Greek tragedy and comedy.
• Pan is the god of forests, the patron of herds and shepherds. Has goat legs, beard and horns. A distinctive attribute of Pan is a flute (syringa) in his hands.
• Asclepius - ancient greek god healing
• Proteus is one of the Greek sea deities. The son of Poseidon, who had the gift to predict the future and change his appearance
• Triton is the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the herald of the deep sea, trumpeting the shell. By appearance- a mixture of man, horse and fish. Close to the eastern god Dagon.
• Dike - in ancient Greece - the personification of divine truth, a goddess hostile to deceit
• Tyukhe is the goddess of good luck and a happy occasion. The Romans - Fortune
• Morpheus - the ancient Greek god of dreams, the son of the god of sleep Hypnos
• Plutus - god of wealth
• Phobos ("Fear") - the son and companion of Ares
• Deimos ("Horror") - the son and companion of Ares

The gods were immortal, but very similar to people - they were characterized by human features: they quarreled and reconciled, committed meanness and weaved intrigues, loved and cunning.

Legends of Olympic gods passed down from generation to generation, and had a huge impact on world culture. Plots from ancient Greek mythology were present in literature, poetry, painting, sculpture, and music. They "influenced" almost all spheres. human life, as they reflected people's ideas about the structure of the world.

The information that has come down to our times about the legends and tales of Ancient Greece came from the works of Homer, Ovid, Nonnus, Euripides. So, by the “Olympic” period of the development of society, all myths were associated with Mount Olympus, where 12 deities headed by Zeus sat (although their number does not always coincide).

According to ancient Greek myths, before the "central" Gods ascended to Olympus, Chaos existed on Earth, which gave rise to Eternal Gloom and Dark Night. From them came Eternal Light and bright Day. So, night began to replace day, and day - night, forever and ever.