Symbols of the Greek Gods

Tales beyond belief

Symbols of the Greek Gods
What were the Symbols of the Greek Gods? The gods and goddesses of ancient Greece were supernatural beings who possessed great magical & mystical powers. Each ancient Greek god and goddess were associated with special symbols, animals and attributes. The Symbols of the Greek Gods were depicted in the pictures, mosaics, statues and images of the gods and made them instantly recognisable. Many of the myths and legends in Ancient Greek Mythology tell the stories of their symbols and attributes.

The Symbols of the Greek Gods
The attributes and Symbols of the Greek Gods were specific to each of the gods however, the theme of the symbols covered the symbolism of:

Animals
Birds
Plants and Flowers
Magical weapons
A variety of objects from everyday life

The list for the Symbols of the Greek gods and goddesses describe the attributes, symbols that were associated with them.

Zeus the king of the gods is associated with these attributes:

Thunderbolt
Sceptre
Eagle
Bull
Oak Tree
The Aegis, a shield

Poseidon the god of the sea, tempests, storms and earthquakes is associated with these attributes:

The Trident
The Horse
The Dolphin
The Bull

Hera, the queen of the gods, is associated with these attributes:

Crown
Peacock
Cuckoo
Lion
Cow
Pomegranate

Ares the god of battle and war is associated with these attributes:

A sacred shield
Spear
Burning Torch
Vulture
Dog
Woodpecker, eagle and owl

Apollo the god of the sun is associated with these attributes:

Bow and Arrows
Lyre
Raven
Wolf
Laurel Tree

Artemis the Greek goddess of the hunt is associated with these attributes:

Bow and Arrow
Deer
Hounds
Bears
Snakes
The moon
Cypress tree

Hephaestus the god of fire and the forge is associated with these attributes:

Fire
Hammer
Axe
Tongs
Donkey
Quail

Demeter, the goddess of fertility, agriculture, nature and the seasons is associated with these attributes:

Grain Sheaf
Winged Serpent
Lotus Staff
Torch
Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty)

Hermes the messenger of the gods is associated with these attributes:

Winged sandals and helmet
Caduceus (a staff entwined by snakes)
Tortoise
Stork

Dionysus the god of wine is associated with these attributes:

The thyrsos (a pine-cone tipped staff)
Leopard, panther, tiger
Goat
Grapes and goblets
Ivy

Aphrodite the goddess of love is associated with these attributes:

Dolphin
Rose
Scallop Shell
Mirror and Girdle
Dove, Sparrow, and Swan

Athena the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare is associated with these attributes:

Helmet and Spear
The Aegis
The Owl
The Serpent
The Chariot

Hades, the 'Prince of Darkness' and god of the Underworld is associated with these attributes:

Cerberus
Cap of invisibility
Cypress
Key of Hades