The Twelve Olympians were the principle God's in Greek Mythology. They were said to reign on high at Mount Olympus.
The classical scheme of the Twelve Olypians consists of the following Gods:

Hephaestus - - Hephaestus is the God of fire and the forge (god of fire and smiths) with very weak legs. He was thrown off Mt. Olympus as a baby. He makes armor for the gods and other heroes like Achilles. Son of Hera and Zeus is his father in some accounts. Married to Aphrodite, but she doesn't like him because he's deformed and as a result is cheating on him with Ares. His symbol is the axe.

Hera - - Hera is the Goddess of marriage, women and childbirth. Zeus' wife and sister. She is jealous of Zeus' other mortal wives and gives them punishment. Appears with peacock feathers often. Her symbols are the sceptre, diadem, and peacock

Hermes - - Hermes is the God of flight, thieves, commerce, and travellers. Messenger of the gods. He showed the way for the dead souls to Hades's realm. He shows up in more myths than any other god or goddess. Likes to trick people and is very inventive. Hermes invented the lyre using a turtle shell and sinew. His symbols are the caduceus and winged boots.


Poseidon - - Poseidon is the God of the sea, horses and earthquakes. Brother of Hades and Zeus, and father of Polyphemus; consort to Amphritite. Created horses from sea foam. His symbols are the trident, horse, bull, and sea foam.

Zeus - - Zeus is the King of the gods. Most powerful god (though in some accounts this is disputed), Son of Kronos. God of the sky and thunder. Brother of Poseidon and Hades. Husband of Hera. He fathered many famous Greek personalities, like Hercules. His symbols are the thunderbolt, eagle, and oak.