Greek, Roman, Norse, other? What mythological gods and goddesses are your favorite and why?
I tend to lean towards the Norse pantheon because of Odin and Freya, whose stories are very interesting to me. I used to watch a lot of movies about the Vikings and tensed with anticipation when a Viking leader called upon Odin for guidance. It always seemed so profound and awesome when Odin intervened.
I love Greek mythology. My favorites include Demeter, goddess of the hearth and her daughter Persephone. I love the story of her kidnap by Hades and how she ate six pomegranate seeds offered by the lidless little boy in the Underworld. Her mother had turned him into a lizard who got eaten by an eagle when she was irritated upon not being able to find her daughter.
I also love the story of the marriage of Aphrodite and how, of all the boasting gods who desired her, the crippled Hephaestus was chosen when all he offered her was the humble reason why he would make a good husband: "I work hard."
Hippomenes, Atalanta and the Golden Apples is another favorite.
There are Japanese myths I love but not so much about the gods and goddesses as the stories seem fearsome, dark and disturbing, although there are some exceptions.
Norse Mythology for me. I like to think Silverwolf is a close relation to the God killing Fenris Wolf. And No one in their right minds wants to tick off the Fenris Wolf. It's a guarantee for genocide.
Lori, I can get so lost in Greek mythology. I started writing some articles on the Golden Age and the Titans and am anxious to get back to it. The family tree of the time period is very involved. I have to jump around to other pantheons, but will get back to the Greek soon.
Silverwolf, I will have to remember to not ever upset the Fenris Wolf. Thanks for sharing the information with us.
Article on gods and goddesses of different pantheons can be found at the following link:
Gods and Goddesses I hope you have fun reading about them.
I have been researching the Egyptian pantheon. Good grief! There must be a ton of gods and goddesses there.
One that really interests me is the goddess Maat, the divine personification of truth, order and justice.
Lori have you come across the book "The God Beneath The Sea" by Leon Garfield and Edward Blishen? A childrens book with evocative retellings of the Greek myths. I have an old, worn, much read copy.