SYMBOLS & ATTRIBUTES PAGE ONE

ZEUS

Zeus' main attribute is the Thunderbolt, which he received from the Cyclopes. The Eagle is Zeus' bird, and sometimes the woodpecker is associated with him. His sacred tree is the Oak.

ATHENA

The Aegis, usually a goat skin, is an attribute of both Athena and Zeus. Athena's Aegis is surrounded by Fear, Strife, Force and Pursuit or sometimes by snakes, and in the center there is the Gorgon Medusa's head.

The Owl is Athena's bird, but sometimes she has been depicted with a Rooster on her helmet and it has been assumed that the Rooster might have been considered as sacred to her. Others say that the Rooster is sacred to Helios (Sun) and proclaims when he is about to rise. The Olive Tree is also sacred, it was her gift to Athens.

POSEIDON

The Trident, which he received from the Cyclopes as reward for their being freed from Tartarus, is Poseidon's best known attribute.

Poseidon is closely associated to Horses, which were first tamed by him and presented as a gift to humans, and he also carries an association to Bulls. Poseidon is often depicted with a Dolphin, which allegedly helped him attain Amphitrite as his wife.

DEMETER

Demeter has been represented holding sheaves of Corn and Grain, Poppies and Snakes. She is also shown riding a chariot, often pulled by dragons. Sometimes she is portrayed as holding torches, which represents her arduous quest for her kidnapped daughter Persephone.

HADES

Hades is known to own a Helmet which makes him invisible and it's his most prized possession. His symbol is also his two-pronged spear, which he used as a weapon much like Poseidon did his trident, and his three headed dog named Cerberus, who guarded the entrance to the Underworld.

HERA

The Peacock was the bird sacred to Hera. The Pomegranate also has appeared as an attribute of Hera, perhaps in her role as an ancient Death-goddess. The Cuckoo is also a bird sacred to Hera because when Zeus was in love with Hera he changed himself into a Cuckoo. She has also been associated with the Cow and the Lion.

APHRODITE

The Rose and the Myrtle are sacred to Aphrodite and said to be connected with the story of Adonis. The Dove and Sparrow are Aphrodite's birds, as well as the swans, which pulled her chariot. Since ancient times Aphrodite has been depicted as coming out from a Shell.

Aphrodite is often seen holding an Apple, the prize of beauty she won in the Judgment of Paris. Her magical golden girdle, crafted by husband Hephaestus, would drive any man wild with passion.

Symbols and Attributes continues on page two
Click to read about the rest of the Olympian gods

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