virgin goddesses, the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and twin sister of Apollo, God of
the Sun.
Atalanta (at a lan’ ta), a mortal woman who excelled as a hunter and a
runner. With the help of Aphrodite’s three golden apples, she was defeated
in a footrace by Hippomenes, who won her as his wife.
Athena (a th ’ na), known as Minerva to the Romans. She was the Goddess
of Wisdom and Handicrafts, patron of her namesake city Athens, and
protector of numerous heroes. Usually portrayed wearing armor, and
known as the best strategist in battle. She acknowledged only one parent,
Zeus, but was considered also the daughter of wise Metis, the first consort
of Zeus. A virgin goddess.
Cronos (kr ’ nos), or Saturn (Roman). A Titan and the youngest son of Gaea
and Uranus, who emasculated his father and became the chief god. Husband
of Rhea and the father of six of the Olympians (Hestia, Demeter, Hera,
Hades, Poseidon, Zeus) who swallowed them when they were born. He
in turn was overpowered by his youngest son Zeus.
Demeter (de m ’ ter), known as Ceres to the Romans. Demeter is the God-
dess of Grain or agriculture. In her most important myth, the emphasis is
on her role as mother of Persephone. A vulnerable goddess.
Dionysus (d o n ’ sus), known as Bacchus to the Romans, the God of Wine
and Ecstasy, whose women worshippers annually sought communion with
him in the mountains through revels or orgies.
Eros (er’ os), God of Love, also known as Amor to the Romans; husband
of Psyche.
Gaea or Gaia (j a or g a), the Goddess Earth. Mother and wife of Uranus
(sky), and parents of the Titans.
Hades (h ’ d z) or Pluto, ruler of the Underworld, a son of Rhea and Cronos,
abductor-husband of Persephone, and one of the twelve Olympians.
Hecate (hek’ a t ) was the Goddess of the Crossroads, who looked in three
directions. She was associated with the uncanny
Goddesses in Everywoman