Aphrodite's Role In Greek Mythology

Zeus is the god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods. He presides over the gods on Mount Olympus where he wields a terrible thunder bolt in which he uses to discipline those who displease him. Zeus is also known to punish those who lie or break oaths. Zeus was the youngest son of the Titans, Cronus and Rhea. When Zeus grew to maturity he dethroned Cronus. Zeus henceforth ruled the sky, and his brothers Poseidon and Hades were given power over the sea and the underworld. He is husband to his sister Hera and, he was the father of Ares the god of war; Hebe, the goddess of youth; Hephaestus the god of fire; and Ileitis, the goddess of childbirth. Many of his children were born to goddesses or mortal women after love affairs.

Hera, a beautiful

She was so beautiful that love bloomed all around her. Aphrodite is the wife of Hephaestus, the god of fire. Aphrodite was not always true to her husband because she made love flare up among the gods. Aphrodite would often help young people in love. Atalanta, a virgin huntress who remained always under arms, used to force her wooers to race before her and if she caught them she would put them to death. If anybody could survive, she would marry him. But Melanin came to the race bringing the golden apples that Aphrodite had given him. He dropped the apples as he was running, and because Atalanta could not help to pick up the fruit she was beaten in the

Maria gave birth to Hermes in a cave in Mount Acetylene in Arcadia. Hermes was born with the dawn and while his mother slept in her cave, he slipped out of his cradle and went looking for adventure. He was a tortoise, killed it, and invented the lyre from its shell. As he taught himself how to play the lyre, he saw his brother Apollo’s cows and stole them. When Hermes confessed his trick, Apollo was furious. He knew Apollo loved music, and offered him the lyre for the cows. Apollo gave him the cows and more, and left happily with the lyre. Hermes promised not to steal or lie again if Zeus gave him a throne on Olympus. He grew up to be Zeus’s personal messenger and helper. He traveled as fast as the wind on winged sandals. He used these sandals to guide souls of the dead to Hades. Hermes led Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite to Mound Ida to be judged by Paris in order to see who would have the Apple of