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Sep 17, 2024 · You’ll find that Greek animal symbolism spread through cultural exchange, influencing nearby civilizations. As trade and conquest expanded, you’d see animal totems from Greek myths appearing in other ancient cultures’ art, literature, and religious practices.
Feb 15, 2024 · Animals in Greek mythology are not just passive creatures but active participants in the stories, embodying virtues, vices, or serving as messengers between the mortal and divine realms. For instance, the loyal hound symbolizes fidelity, while the cunning fox represents slyness and wit.
- Zeus Sacred Animal
- Hera Sacred Animal
- Poseidon Sacred Animal
- Athena Sacred Animal
- Apollo Sacred Animal
- Artemis Sacred Animal
- Hermes Sacred Animals
- Ares Sacred Animals
- Demeter Sacred Animals
- Hades Sacred Animals
Eagle, Bull Zeuswas not only the father of gods and god of the sky, but also known for his keen ability to transform into various animals. This gave him an advantage when abducting women he desired, as he could assume the form of a powerful creature like an eagle or swan. These beasts were (and still are) considered symbols valor and sovereignty. T...
Peacock, cuckoo, cow Hera was the queen of all gods, particularly worshipped by women. She presided over marriage and childbirth and was often represented with animals such as cows, peacocks, cuckoos, and lions. The cow represented nurturing and protection to Hera, as it takes care of its young. Similarly, Hera used to protect the sanctity of marri...
Horse, dolphin, the Cretan bull Poseidon was the god of the sea and earthquakes, but he also had some animals that were sacred to him. His most prominent animal was the horse – a symbol of valor and beauty. This is because Poseidon fathered many horses, including Pegasus (the winged horse) by Medusa. Sacred animals to Poseidonincluded the dolphin a...
Owl, goose The Greek goddess Athenawas known as the goddess of wisdom and war. She was mainly associated with the owl, which symbolized her ability to see through the eyes of wisdom. The owl is considered a very cunning and deadly bird, but also very wise. Athena was more rarely associated with the goose, another intelligent bird. In some cases, sh...
Cow, hawk, snake, crow/raven, cicada, swan Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry was associated with several different animals. He was said to be particularly fond of hawks, ravens and crows, which he used as his messengers. In some tales Apollo is even said to have transformed Daedalian into a hawk when he cast himself off Parnassus to com...
Deer, wild boar The goddess of hunting and wilderness, Artemiswas particularly fond of deer. In one myth, she falls in love with some very large deer with golden horns. She captures them and harnesses them to her chariot, calling them the Elaphoi Khrysokeroi. The successful completion of one of Heracles’ laborsrequired the capture of a deer. Artemi...
Tortoise, ram Hermes was the messenger of the gods, protector of trade and athletics, associated with tortoises (according to myth, he transformed the nymph Khelone into one) and hares (because of their prolificacy). He is also known for constructing the first lyre from a turtle shell. Hermeswas also said to be associated with the ram, as it was be...
Dog, vulture, boar Being the god of war, Aresdespised cowards and had several sacred animals. One of these was the dog – a creature that is incredibly loyal but can also be very dangerous. He was also symbolized by creatures such as vultures and eagle-owls which were considered to be birds of ill omen because they would hover over battlefields, pat...
Serpent, pig, gecko The goddess Demeterwas responsible for the harvest, agriculture, and grain. She held serpents as sacred animals because they symbolized fertility and regeneration. According to mythology, a pair of winged snakes drew her chariot. Demeter is also linked with the swine, which symbolizes both opulence and livestock. The Greeks sacr...
Black ram, screeching owl, serpent Some of the animals most sacred to Hades, god of the Underworld and brother of Zeus, were black rams. Their vicious nature and dark color symbolized death itself, making them highly revered by the ruler of the Underworld. Hades was also closely associated with the screeching owl, considered a harbinger of death an...
Sep 21, 2024 · Athena’s sacred animals—the owl, snake, and horse—embody rich symbolism and significance within Greek mythology. Each creature reflects different aspects of her divine nature, from wisdom and protection to strength and victory.
- Sacred Animals of Zeus: Eagle and Bull. Zeus, the most powerful of the Greek gods, ruled over Mount Olympus and is known as the god of the sky and thunder.
- Sacred Animals of Hera: Peacock, Cuckoo, and Cow. Hera, the wife of Zeus, is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. In Greek mythology, she is portrayed as a regal and often jealous figure, protective of her status and marriage.
- Sacred Animals of Poseidon: Horse, Dolphin, and Cretan Bull. Poseidon, brother of Zeus, reigns as the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Known for his explosive nature, Poseidon is an influential figure in Greek mythology, commanding both the calm and the fury of the sea.
- Sacred Animals of Athena: Owl. Athena, the daughter of Zeus, is revered as the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare. Known for her strategic prowess and calm temperament, Athena is a crucial figure in Greek mythology, often depicted with her armor and a wise owl.
Sep 20, 2024 · Agricultural importance: Cows were vital to agricultural societies, providing milk, labor, and companionship. Symbol of motherhood: The nurturing nature of cows is symbolic of Hera’s role as a mother, particularly in her relationships with her children, including Ares and Hephaestus.
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In Greek Mythology there are dozens of gods, each of them with different symbols and powers. In this article of our series on Greek Mythology for kids we present you with a guide, that will help you learn how to recognize the most important Greek gods and goddesses.
