Who were the major gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek mythology?

In Ancient Greek mythology, there were numerous major gods and goddesses who played significant roles in the lives of the Greeks. Some of the most prominent ones include:

1. Zeus: Zeus was the king of the gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. He was the god of the sky and thunder, and his symbol was the lightning bolt. Zeus was known for his power and authority, and he was often depicted as a bearded man holding a thunderbolt.

2. Hera: Hera was the queen of the gods and the wife of Zeus. She was the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Hera was often portrayed as a regal woman wearing a crown and holding a scepter. She was known for her jealousy and vengeful nature, particularly towards Zeus' numerous lovers and their offspring.

3. Poseidon: Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was one of the most powerful gods and was often depicted with a trident, which he used to control the seas. Poseidon was known for his volatile temperament and his ability to cause storms and earthquakes.

4. Athena: Athena was the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare. She was born fully grown from Zeus' head and was often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a shield. Athena was highly revered by the Greeks for her intelligence and strategic prowess.

5. Apollo: Apollo was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He was often depicted as a young and handsome man with a lyre, which he used to create beautiful music. Apollo was also associated with the sun and was believed to drive the sun chariot across the sky each day.

6. Artemis: Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. She was often depicted as a young woman carrying a bow and arrows, accompanied by a pack of hunting dogs. Artemis was known for her independence and her fierce protection of nature and wildlife.

7. Aphrodite: Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. She was often portrayed as a beautiful woman emerging from the sea foam. Aphrodite was associated with love and passion and was believed to have the power to influence romantic relationships.

These are just a few examples of the major gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek mythology. There were many more deities worshipped by the Greeks, each with their own unique attributes and roles in the ancient Greek pantheon.