Gods and Goddesses (Major and Minor)

Bacchus

Also known as Dionysus. The clean shaven god of wine, vegetation, festivals, and pleasure. His attributes and symbols include the thyrsos (a staff with a pine cone tip), drinking cups, grapes, vines, and leopards. Satyrs and Maenads follow Bacchus and participate in traditional Bacchic celebrations – music playing, wine drinking, and drunkenness. He marries makes immortal the Cretan princess, Ariadne, after coming across her sleeping on the island of Naxos.

Selene

The old goddess of the moon. Usually shown driving her moon chariot across the night sky. Selene is identified by a crescent moon crown and her billowing cloak and veil. She falls in love with Endymion, who later becomes immortal through an eternal slumber.

Also Mentioned…

Nereus

Known as the “old man of the sea.” He is the god of the sea’s fish bounty. His daughters are the Nereids.

Jupiter

Also known as Zeus or Jove. The bearded king of the gods controls the skies, weather, order, and fate. His attributes are the lightning bolt, an eagle, and a scepter. He grants Endymion immortality.

Silenus

The old rustic god of the wine-press, dance, and drunkenness. He is depicted as an old, fat, satyr among Bacchic celebrations. In some versions of Bacchus’ origin, Silenus helped raise the god of wine. He is the father of a tribe of rambunctious satyrs known as the sons of Silenus.

Venus and Eros

Also known as Aphrodite. The goddess of love and beauty. She is usually accompanied, or represented, by her winged son Eros (plural: Ertoes) the god of love.