Symbols of Gods and Goddesses

Aphrodite (Greek) or Venus (Roman) Goddess of Love and Beauty – her symbols are a scallop shell, the dolphin, the swan and the dove (a pair of either pull her chariot)

Apollo (Greek and Roman) God of Music – his symbols are the lyre (a stringed instrument like a harp with a u- shaped frame), a crown of victory made of laurel leaves, or a golden, four-horse chariot to pull the sun across the sky

Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Roman) Goddess of the moon and hunting – her symbol is the moon, deer or a silver bow and arrow

Athena (Greek) or Minerva (Roman) Goddess of War and Wisdom – her symbols are the owl, snake and olive branch

Eros (Greek) or Cupid (Roman) God of Love – his symbol is the bow and arrow (a golden arrow for love and a lead arrow for hate)

Hera (Greek) or Juno (Roman) Queen of the Gods and Goddess of Marriage and Protector of Women – her symbols are the cuckoo bird on a scepter, a peacock or pomegranate

Heracles (Greek) or Hercules (Roman) God of Strength – his symbol is a club, a lion’s skin, or twin pillars

Hermes (Greek) or Mercury (Roman) God of Travel and Messenger God – his symbols are winged sandals and sometimes a broad-brimmed low-crowned hat called a petasos, only his has with wings

Poseidon (Greek) or Neptune (Roman) God of the Sea – his symbol is the trident (three-pronged spear) or sea horses

Nemesis (Greek or Roman) Goddess of Revenge or Jealousy – her symbols are a sword or scales used to weigh good versus evil

Nike (Greek) or Victoria (Roman) Goddess of Victory – her symbols are wings or a palm branch (a symbol of victory)

Zeus (Greek) or Jupiter (Roman) King of Mount Olympus/Weather God – his symbols are the eagle, thunderbolt or oak tree