Ancient Greek mythology is filled with different characters who all played an important role in Greek society and culture. Read about these gods, learn their stories, and see how the ancient Greeks understood their world.
In Greek mythology, Pontus was a primordial sea god, often referred to as the personification of the sea itself. He was born from Chaos, one of the original entities in the universe. Pontus was not typically depicted with a distinct personality or a significant role in myths like many other gods, but his name was …
A “rude and undeveloped mass” and yet also “an empty void,” the gloomy Chaos is both a being and not, a god and not. Chaos is best described as the oxymoron of “a shapeless heap,” both contradictory and all-encompassing. The huge Chaos, in essence, is the very foundation in which the universe exists, being the …
In Greek mythology, Bellerophon was a hero known for his remarkable feats and his connection to the winged horse Pegasus. He was the son of the mortal Eurynome and either the god Poseidon or the Corinthian king Glaucus and is mostly famous for his conquest of the Chimera, a fearsome monster, and his subsequent downfall …
In Greek mythology, Hemera was the personification of the day. She was often mentioned in contrast to her counterpart, Nyx, who represented the night. Hemera was considered the daughter of Erebus (primordial darkness) and Nyx (primordial night), making her part of the primordial deities in Greek cosmology. Hemera’s role was to bring forth and govern …
Aether is a primordial deity in Greek mythology representing the upper air or the pure, bright air that the gods breathed. Aether is one of the ancient elemental deities, alongside Chaos, Gaia (Earth), Tartarus (Underworld), and Eros (Love), and is often associated with light, the heavens, and the celestial realm. Who is Aether? What is …
Lamia was a shapeshifting monster that devoured children in Greek mythology. Described as a half-woman, half-monster, Lamia roamed the countryside in search of her next meal. The name Lamia likely is derived from the Greek word laimios, meaning esophagus. Thus, Lamia’s name hints at her tendency to devour children whole. Like many supernatural dangers that …