what were the 12 Gods of Olumpus?
were they real?
and why 12 and not 14?
2006-12-01 03:39:53 · 7 answers · asked by Helen from Greece 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Your question refers to the Olympian gods, the twelve Ancient Greek gods thought to dwell on Mt. Olympus. These twelve overthrew the titans to claim power, and they are a family.
There were other immortals in Greek mythology, but these were the most important and powerful. Although the number twelve is fixed, which twelve gods are among the twelve varies.
The Olympian gods are Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Ares, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hephaestus (Hephaistos), Artemis, and Hera -- these are always mentioned. Then the remaining two seats are filled by Demeter, Dionysus, Hades, or Hestia, depending on the source. As you can see, there are fourteen gods in total on this list.
As to whether they were real, it depends on what real means to you. If you mean you want to meet one, I'm afraid I don't personally believe any of the accounts of them are literally true. But I know they are a real presence in the history of Western Civilization, as characters in Homer or in Ovid's Metamorphosis, among other works. Further, it is possible there is some reality in the stories, that the stories of the gods are based on real people and events. For example, the story about Poseidon and Athena and their war for the city of Athens is probably based on a real conflict between two peoples who settled this area, each bringing their own gods with them. At the beginning, they were different and believed different things. In the end, these people became one - the Athenians - and you can tell from their name which god they chose to be their patron. Part of the story is probably real.
2006-12-01 04:10:05 · answer #1 · answered by matrolph 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are different versions of gods and different religions the question you should be asking your self is what can we mostly believe out of this world? Is it possible that Olympus was a dream or an idea if you look up X Men and compare there powers to the suppose Gods of Olympus or Thor it might just be possible they are upgraded humans if they are real. How ever if you are looking in another direction mere mortals can't see the likes of gods only demi gods can. There are inspired ideas about Olympus coming from Perci Jackson and the Lightning thief or the game God of War some of it gives a learning experience in a fun way. Back then people actually believed gods were a big thing and people in high ranking kinda like leaders of our country if we were back then we would be worshiping them like Gods. Sorry I'm a mess and sometimes hard to understand :)
2014-04-21 17:57:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
12 Gods Of Olympus
2016-10-03 10:13:10 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to those that believed, sure.
And there were 17 different Gods and Goddesses that were parth of the Pantheon at one stage or another.
And why 12? An even dozen...?
2006-12-01 09:17:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no one has said that they werent. not even scientist say they werent and they sould be there best credicts. but i believe they are real but once they realised that they arent need anymore they just disapered and are waiting for the right time to show up again.
2006-12-02 08:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by english_kitten_14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As real as any other gods I've ever heard of. I've never heard of anyone disproving their existence.
2006-12-01 09:27:35 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Bojangles 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are/were any gods real? That my friend is a quesition you must decide for yourself.
2006-12-01 05:47:44 · answer #7 · answered by tabithap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋