The Greek divinities were complex and intricate beings. Before the Greeks came around, the powers which controlled the universe were shadowy, mysterious beings; never defined, never described and never seen or heard though their effects were felt. Yes there was a someone who caused it to rain and yes there was a certain entity who pulled the vast ball of fire across the firmament but they were shapeless, formless creatures about whom the people had no idea. When the Greeks came along they decided to personalize the powers that controlled their lives: to give each a shape, a form and a distinct personality. They decided that the powerful ones were human in form: perfect examples of humanity. They imagined such a being in everything they saw: the earth was no longer the ground upon they stood but was instead Gaea, the mother of all creatures and all things. The sky was no longer a vast emptiness but Ouranos: the one who enveloped Gaea and all creation. Trees became Dryads and Hamadryads; lakes and streams contained beautiful Nymphs and water-deities; thunder and lightning were caused by Zeus' master bolt; earthquakes and storms by Poseidon's Trident; volcanoes were Hephaestus' workshops, winds blew when commanded by Aeolus and so on and so forth.
The Gods and Goddesses, as mentioned above, were given distinct personalities. At first they were shown to be perfect: the epitome of humanity. By the time the Homeric Hymns were penned, they had developed unique weaknesses, just like people. The ancient Greeks were gradually fabricating divinities in their own image.
The major divinities were called the Twelve Great Olympians. They resided on Mount Olympus, sometimes held to be an earthly mountain but usually regarded as a mystical land high in the heavens, separated from the earth by vast stretches of emptiness. The gates of Olympus were guarded by the seasons who were under the overall command of Zeus.
The Gods and Goddesses, as mentioned above, were given distinct personalities. At first they were shown to be perfect: the epitome of humanity. By the time the Homeric Hymns were penned, they had developed unique weaknesses, just like people. The ancient Greeks were gradually fabricating divinities in their own image.
The major divinities were called the Twelve Great Olympians. They resided on Mount Olympus, sometimes held to be an earthly mountain but usually regarded as a mystical land high in the heavens, separated from the earth by vast stretches of emptiness. The gates of Olympus were guarded by the seasons who were under the overall command of Zeus.
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