Hearthfire Handworks

Goddess Groups: The Muses

While the Greeks typically regarded and approached their gods as individuals, there were some who could also be addressed in the aggregate–as a group. One such group was the Muses, or Mousai. […]

The Family of Asklepios (Asclepius)

Asklepios, healer-god and son of Apollo, was very likely originally a hero; the worship of heroes in ancient Greece differed from that of deities in numerous ways, one being that a hero […]

An Introduction to Hermes

Hermes is the god of tradesmen and travellers, as well as thieves. As a god of communication he helps with the transmission of messages. He also acts as a psychopomp–one who conducts […]

An Introduction to Epithets

Culturally, we probably know the Greek gods better than any other pantheon. We can attribute this in part to artists and poets–Byron and his crew loved our gods and loved to write […]

An Introduction to Hephaistos (Hephaestus)

Hephaistos is god of smiths, craftsmen and inventors, particularly metalworkers. Myths and Stories Hephaistos’ first myth is that of his birth to Hera; he may or may not be the son of […]

An Introduction to Hekate

Hekate, goddess of pathways and crossroads, is also associated with magic, witchcraft, and ghosts. She is as well a protective goddess, particularly of women, and many houses had a small shrine to […]

An Introduction to Eros

Eros is a god of love and passion. His depiction as a young boy with wings and a quiver is relatively late. Myth Several different origins are given for Eros. In one, […]

An Introduction to Asklepios (Asclepius)

Asklepios, son of Apollo, is a god of healing and medicine. Born a mortal, he died, but somehow eventually attained a unique status between god and hero. In addition to being the […]

An Introduction to Dionysos

Dionysos is god of wine, theater, and ecstasy. He was particularly loved and worshipped by women. Myths and Stories The story of Dionysos’ birth is a dramatic one. His mother, Semele, was […]

An Introduction to Apollo

Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis; some of his special interests are archery, music (particularly the lyre) and art, prophecy, and health and healing, […]

An Introduction to Athena

As patron goddess of Athens, Athena was a very popular deity with many myths attributed to her and a number of festivals in her honor. Her areas of interest were quite diverseÑshe […]

An Introduction to Persephone

Persephone is known in myth (and to some extent in her worship) primarily for her relationships with other gods–as the daughter of Demeter, and as the wife and consort of Hades. She […]