Greek Mythology

Aegisthus (Greek mythological figure) Aegisthus Aegisthus, lover of Clytemnestra in Greek myth, is remembered for his part in Agamemnon’s murder, his rule at Mycenae, and his death at Orestes’ hands; he appears in Homeric epic a…

Aeolus — Greek mythological ruler of the winds Aeolus Aeolus, in Greek tradition, is the mythic keeper of the winds and a recurring figure in epic literature. Accounts vary; he appears in the Odyssey, Roman poetry, and later cultural…

Aidos — Greek personification of shame, modesty and social reverence Aidos Aidos is the ancient Greek personification of shame, modesty and reverence. Portrayed more as an ethical feeling than a richly worshipped deity, she appears in literature and occas…

Ajax the Great (Aias) — Greek Hero of the Trojan War Ajax the Great Ajax the Great (Aias), son of Telamon, was a towering Greek warrior in the Trojan War, famed for his strength, defensive prowess, and tragic end after losing Achilles' armor to Ody…

Ajax the Lesser (Aias, son of Oïleus) Ajax the Lesser Greek mythological warrior of the Trojan War, son of Oïleus and leader of the Locrians, famed for his swiftness and infamous for the sacrilege that brought divine vengeance and his…

Akrisios Akrisios, a king of Argos in Greek myth, best known as the father of Danaë and grandfather of Perseus; his story examines fate, attempts to avert prophecy, and their ironic fulfill…

Alcmene: Mother of Heracles and Iphicles in Greek mythology Alkmene Alcmene, a mortal noblewoman of Mycenae in Greek mythology, mother of Heracles (by Zeus) and Iphicles (by Amphitryon). Her story centers on divine deception, Hera’s jealousy, and l…

Aloadae (Otos and Ephialtes) — twin giants of Greek myth Aloadae The Aloadae were twin giants, Otos and Ephialtes, noted for attempting to storm Olympus, imprisoning Ares, and slaying one another after a trick by Artemis. Traditions differ on pa…

Andromeda (constellation) Northern constellation named for the mythical princess; contains the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), several bright stars and deep‑sky objects, and figures prominently in history, mytholog…

Apate — Greek personification of deceit Apate Apate is the Greek personification of deceit and guile, a minor mythic figure linked to Pandora's release of evils and traditionally described as a child of Nyx and Erebus.

Argo Navis — the ancient ship constellation (former) Argo Navis Argo Navis was a large southern constellation representing Jason’s ship. No longer recognized, it was divided into Carina, Vela and Puppis; its legacy survives in star names, mytho…

Asteria — Titaness of Falling Stars and the Island Delos Asteria Asteria, a second-generation Titaness in Greek myth, is linked with falling stars, nocturnal divination and the island Delos; mother of Hecate and sister of Leto who became the ref…

Belus (king of Egypt in Greek mythology) Belus Belus is a legendary figure in Greek myth, portrayed as a king of Egypt and progenitor of Aegyptus and Danaus. Traditions vary; he links Greek genealogies with Near Eastern motifs.

Caduceus: symbol, form, history and modern uses Caduceus The caduceus is the winged staff entwined by two snakes, associated with Hermes/Mercury. This article explains its appearance, mythic origins, symbolic meanings, and why it is some…

Chaos (mythology) Primeval void in classical myth traditions: the original gap or state before creation, often personified as a deity and later reshaped into the modern sense of disorder.

Charon (mythology): Ferryman of the Greek Underworld Charon (mythology) Charon is the ferryman in Greek myth who transports souls across the boundary rivers of the underworld; his figure shaped burial customs, literature, art, and even the name of Plut…

Chimera (Greek mythological hybrid) Chimera (mythology) A monstrous hybrid from Greek myth, typically part lion, part goat, and part serpent. Linked to Lycia and slain by Bellerophon; symbolizes hybrid danger and impossible or illusory…

Circe: Greek goddess of magic, enchantment, and transformation Circe Circe, a figure from Greek myth, is an enchantress associated with potions, herbs and metamorphosis. She appears in Homeric epic and later traditions and has inspired many artistic…

Helen of Troy Helen of Troy is a central figure of Greek myth, famed for her beauty and role in the legends of Sparta and the Trojan War. Accounts vary on her origins, actions, and later fate.

List of figures in Greek mythology An organized overview of principal figures in Greek mythology: categories, sources, art and cult, Roman equivalents, genealogy, and how modern lists are compiled and used.

Medusa: Greek myth, iconography, and cultural legacy Medusa Medusa, originally one of the Gorgons in Greek myth, became a symbol of danger, protection, victimhood, and artistic fascination—known for her snake hair, petrifying gaze, and the…

The Odyssey — Ancient Greek Epic Poem Odyssey The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic attributed to Homer that follows Odysseus's long voyage home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of cunning, hospitality, fate and the meani…

Pandora: the first woman in Greek myth and the origin of a famous metaphor Pandora Pandora, crafted by the gods in Greek myth, opened a jar that released evils into the world. The story explains the origin of human suffering and gave rise to the phrase "Pandora's…

Polyphemos: the Cyclops of the Odyssey Polyphemos Polyphemos, a Cyclops in Greek mythology, is best known from Homer's Odyssey for his encounter with Odysseus. His story explores hospitality, cunning, divine revenge and later cult…

Trojan War: Myth, Sources, and Historical Context Trojan War An overview of the Trojan War covering its literary sources, principal figures, archaeological discovery, debates over historicity, and cultural legacy.