The Most Important Greek Mythology Symbols

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Ancient symbols expert John Paul Gomez discusses the key symbols of Greek gods & goddesses
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In ancient Greek mythology, there are numerous symbols that represent the stories and power of the Twelve Olympians (as well as the other deities and mortals that they interact with). From godly weapons to fabled fruits, we’ll tell you about the most important (and fascinating) symbols in Greek mythology, as well as what they mean and what roles they play. We’ll also discuss the symbols associated with both major and minor Greek gods, and even include insights from a team of mythology and symbol experts.

Symbols of Greek Mythology: A Visual Guide

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An illustration of the most important symbols in Greek myth.

Ancient symbols expert John Paul Gomez lists the laurel wreath, owl, and cornucopia as some of the most important symbols in Greek myth. Other symbols include the Ouroboros (represented by a snake biting its own tail), the Gorgoneion (or the head of Medusa), and the Rod of Asclepius (a staff encircled by a snake).

Section 1 of 3:

20 Top Symbols From Greek Mythology

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  1. Step 1 Thunderbolt
    The thunderbolt or lightning bolt is the main symbol of Zeus, the King of the Gods who rules over the sky. Zeus uses the thunderbolt as his primary weapon and, as a visual symbol, it also represents Zeus’s absolute power and dominance over gods and mortals, as well as divine justice, balance within the universe, and the upholding of order over chaos.[1]
    • Represents… ultimate power, divine sovereignty and justice, cosmic balance, and primordial forces of nature.
    • Most closely associated with… Zeus.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    John Paul Gomez is an ancient symbols expert and freemason who founded FraternalTies, based in Toronto, Canada.

    Elianne El-Amyouni is a spiritualist and doctor of philosophy who has experience in historical literature, object symbolism, spirituality, alchemy, and philosophy.

    Maria Souza is a comparative mythologist who hosts the Women and Mythology Podcast and authored Wild Daughters, a mythopoetic work that offers inspiration to women.

    Lance Hewison is a Greek mythology expert who has created and directed Tiny Epics, a YouTube channel exploring Greek mythology through cinematic storytelling, symbolism, and historical context.

    Julia VanderHoeven is a Greek and Roman mythology and ancient history scholar who shares content under the handle @museofmythology on Instagram.

  2. Step 2 Trident
    The trident is a three-pronged spear that’s primarily used by Poseidon, the god of the sea. Not only does Poseidon use the trident as his signature weapon, but it also symbolizes his dominion over all bodies of water, as well as earthquakes and tsunamis (as Poseidon could use his trident to strike the ground and cause these destructive natural events). Ultimately, the trident represents both the creation and life-giving associated with water and the destruction that it may bring.[2]
    • Represents… power over the ocean and earth, divine authority, and the cycle of creation and destruction associated with water.
    • Most closely associated with… Poseidon.
    • Do you share Poseidon’s devotion to the ocean? Find out whether you’re really like this sea god with our “Which Greek God Are You?” quiz.
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  3. Step 3 Bow and arrow
    The bow is a key weapon and symbol in Greek mythology. In general, it represents power and transformation, but its precise symbolism varies depending on who’s wielding it. Eros’s bow and arrow, for instance, is associated with passionate desire, while the weapon in Artemis’s hands represents independence and feminine power.[3] Apollo, when wielding the bow, symbolizes victory and truth, while heroes like Heracles use it to represent power, stamina, and destiny.
    • Represents… love, truth, prophecy, feminine power, heroic power, victory, and destiny.
    • Most closely associated with… Eros, Apollo, Artemis, Heracles, and Philoctetes.
  4. Step 4 Caduceus / Rod of Asclepius
    The caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius are two similar, but distinct, symbols in Greek myth. The caduceus is a winged staff that has two serpents wrapped around it, explains Doctor of Philosophy Elianne El-Amyouni, and it “symbolizes balance, duality, healing, and the union of opposites.”[4] It also represents commerce, trade, and communication, as it’s wielded by the messenger god Hermes. The Rod of Asclepius, on the other hand, is a “staff entwined by a single serpent that represents the healing arts,” says Gomez.[5] The Rod is used by Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing,
    • Represents… commerce and trade (caduceus); medicine and healing (Rod of Asclepius).
    • Most closely associated with… Hermes (caduceus) and Asclepius (Rod of Asclepius).
  5. Step 5 Ouroboros / Snakes
    The ouroboros is a circular symbol depicting a “serpent biting its own tail, [which] expresses the continual cycle of creation, dissolution, and renewal,” explains Gomez.[6] It also symbolizes the eternal cycle of time and the cosmos, as well as the unity of all things in the universe. Relatedly, the snake itself is an important symbol in Greek culture. Serpents symbolize rebirth, healing, and immortality (largely due to their shedding skin). They’re also connected to the powers of the earth, the Underworld, and earth-based oracles, like the Oracle of Delphi. Ancient Greeks were also known to wear serpent-like amulets to ward off evil or promote health and fertility.
    • Represents… healing, rebirth, earth, protection, the Underworld, unity, and time, as well as “the idea that beginnings and endings form a seamless circle,” notes Gomez.[7]
    • Most closely associated with… Asclepius, Athena, and Dionysus.
  6. Step 6 Peacock
    The peacock is an obvious symbol of Hera, says Greek mythology expert Lance Hewison.[8] Hera is the Queen of the Gods who rules over women, marriage, and motherhood. According to the myth, Hera transformed Io (one of her husband’s lovers) into a white cow and hired a hundred-eyed giant named Argus Panoptes to abduct and watch over her. Hera’s husband, Zeus, sent Hermes to slay Argus and free Io. In mourning, Hera took Argus’s one hundred eyes and placed them on the peacock’s tail feathers in his honor. From then on, the peacock came to represent Hera’s all-seeing vigilance and protection, as well as pride, royalty, majesty, immortality, and incorruptibility.[9]
    • Represents… noble status, immortality, justice, protection, and omnipresence.
    • Most closely associated with… Hera.
    • Did you enjoy this myth? Click to read more myths that involve Hermes.
  7. Step 7 Owl
    “The owl, companion of Athena, represents intelligence and keen perception,” says Gomez.[10] The owl sits on Athena’s shoulder and serves as eyes in the back of her head (so to speak). As a result, Athena was said to be all-seeing so that no truth could be hidden from her. Owls also came to represent military victory, the bringing of clarity, the warding off of evil, and the discovery of ignorance or malevolence (due to owls being able to hunt in the dark). The reverse side of Athens’s ancient coins also depicted an owl.[11]
    • Represents… omnipresence, truth, military success, protection, and clarity.
    • Most closely associated with… Athena.
  8. Step 8 Lyre
    The lyre is a musical instrument with a U-shaped frame and several strings that are plucked by hand or with a pick. The lyre was the most popular instrument in ancient Greece, and it was said to be invented by the infant Hermes in order to appease Apollo (whose cows he had stolen). The lyre became one of Apollo’s most important symbols, and it was also mastered by mortal musicians like Orpheus and Amphion, who could use the harp to move trees, rocks, and the hearts of the gods. After Orpheus’s death, Zeus placed his mythical lyre in the night sky, which became the Lyra constellation.[12]
    • Represents… harmony, wisdom, moderation, and the power of art over death, chaos, and nature.
    • Most closely associated with… Apollo, Orpheus, Amphion, and Hermes.
    • Nothing says tragic quite like Orpheus and Eurydice…iykyk. But if you were thrust into Greek myth, how would your story end? Take our “Which Tragic Greek Figure Am I?” quiz to find out!
  9. Step 9 Chariot
    The chariot mainly represents divine power in Greek myth, as the gods typically rode chariots to control the elements or travel through the sky. Apollo and Selene rode chariots in order to pull the sun and the moon (respectively) into the sky. Many other deities had specialized chariots that represented their domains, including Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon. Poseidon’s chariot, for example, was pulled by hippocampi, mythical marine creatures. However, chariots could also represent arrogance, as the myth of Phaethon tells of a demigod who tried to drive Helios’s sun chariot but lost control, scorched the earth, and was struck down by Zeus.[13]
    • Represents… divine power, cosmic order, and the danger of human hubris.
    • Most closely associated with… Apollo, Helios, and Selene.
  10. Step 10 Winged sandals
    The winged sandals (or Talaria) belong to Hermes, as they represent his ability to dash between the divine and mortal realms and deliver important messages. They were created by Hephaestus, who forged them from indestructible gold, and anyone who wears them can fly as quickly as a bird. In fact, Hermes lent them to the demigod hero Perseus so that he could find and defeat the gorgon Medusa.[14]
    • Represents… agility, connection, divine speed, freedom, and communication.
    • Most closely associated with… Hermes.
  11. Step 11 Helm of Darkness
    The Helm of Darkness is a legendary helmet that allows the wearer to become invisible. It was created by Cyclopes during the Titanomachy war and given to Hades so that he could help to overthrow the Titans and take over Olympus (and the Underworld) with his siblings. Perseus also borrowed the Helm of Darkness to slay Medusa, and it’s also been used by other gods, including Athena and Hermes.[15]
    • Represents… the hidden nature of death, the mysteriousness of the Underworld, fear of the unknown, and Hades’s shadowy separation from the Twelve Olympians.
    • Most closely associated with… Hades.
  12. Step 12 Aegis
    In myth, the aegis is a divine protective object, usually taking the form of a metallic shield, goatskin cloak, or breastplate. The aegis—which was made by Hephaestus and the Cyclopes—features writhing snakes, the head of Medusa, and golden tassels. It was mainly used by Zeus and Athena, who could use it to enhance their own divine powers. Zeus, for instance, would use the aegis to create ominous clouds and terrifying thunderstorms.[16]
    • Represents… protection, divine power, and the warding off of evil.
    • Most closely associated with… Zeus and Athena.
  13. Step 13 Gorgoneion
    The Gorgoneion is essentially any depiction of “the stylized head of Medusa,” says Gomez, and it’s used as a “powerful protective emblem that’s placed on shields, armor, and architecture. It was believed to avert evil with its confronting gaze.”[17] While most uses of the gorgoneion symbol were just illustrations or depictions, they originated from the actual decapitated head of Medusa, which was “used as a weapon in battle and later given to Athena, who placed it on her aegis,” explains comparative mythologist Maria Souza.[18]
    • Represents… divine power, protection, the warding off of evil, and the striking of fear into enemies.
    • Most closely associated with… Athena and Medusa.
  14. Step 14 Labrys
    The labrys is a double-headed, symmetrical axe that originated from Crete. In Crete’s ancient Minoan religions, female priestesses would use the labrys symbol in rituals and as part of sacred altars. Specifically, it’s a symbol of divine feminine power, sacred authority, and the Minoan Mother Goddess. Later, it became intertwined with Greek mythology, where it was used by Artemis and her band of wild warrior women. Zeus is also sometimes shown carrying the labrys.[19]
    • Represents… divine femininity, power, sacred authority, and Minoan culture.
    • Most closely associated with… Artemis, Zeus, and the Minoan Mother Goddess.
  15. Step 15 Torch
    The torch symbol is associated with several Greek deities and figures, including Hecate (the goddess of magic and crossroads), Demeter (the goddess of agriculture), and Prometheus (the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind). Souza specifically ties the torch to Hecate, who is often shown “lighting the way when you’re standing in the dark or at a threshold.” Along with the crossroads, torches are the biggest symbol of Hecate, concludes Souza.[20]
    • Represents… divine illumination, boundaries, truth, persistence, and the sharing of information and civilization.
    • Most closely associated with… Hecate, Demeter, and Prometheus.
  16. Step 16 Olive tree
    Ancient Greeks thought that olive trees were a sacred gift given to them by Athena, due to a myth where the goddess battled Poseidon for control of Athens. Poseidon gifted a salty spring to the Athenian people, while Athena planted an olive tree. The Athenians chose the tree, giving the city its name and making Athena their patron goddess. The olive tree went on to become an important symbol of the Greek state and culture, with its branches being used to declare ceasefires and its leafy crowns being used to crown winners of the ancient Olympic Games.[21]
    • Represents… peace, harmony, wisdom, victory, longevity, and resilience.
    • Most closely associated with… Athena.
    • Athena’s the wisest goddess of her age…but are you? Take our “Which Greek Goddess Am I?” quiz to find out!
  17. Step 17 Laurel wreath
    “Sacred to Apollo, the laurel wreath crowned poets, athletes, and leaders,” says Gomez, and “it signifies excellence, accomplishment, and the prestige earned through merit.”[22] The laurel became sacred to Apollo because Eros (with his arrows) once cursed him to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. Daphne, in turn, was cursed to be repulsed by Apollo, but Apollo wouldn’t leave her alone. So, Daphne’s river god father turned her into a laurel tree, and Apollo vowed to forever wear her leaves in devotion.
    • Represents… victory, achievement, and immortality.
    • Most closely associated with… Apollo.
  18. Step 18 Cornucopia
    “Rooted in Greek and Roman myth, the cornucopia symbolizes nourishment, prosperity, and abundance,” affirms Gomez. “Its overflowing contents,” Gomez continues, “represent the blessings of a fertile and harmonious society.”[23] The cornucopia, which was originally a magical goat’s horn that overflowed with food and drink, is also known as the “horn of plenty.” And, while it was created by Zeus, it’s often associated with grain deities like Demeter, Gaia, and Persephone.
    • Represents… nourishment, abundance, wealth, harvest, and fertility.
    • Most closely associated with… Demeter, Gaia, Persephone, and Zeus.
  19. Step 19 Apple
    The apple is one of the most ubiquitous symbols in ancient Greek lore, usually representing love, immortality, and/or chaos. The (arguably) most famous Greek apple is the Apple of Discord, which was inscribed with the words “For the Fairest,” initiating an argument between goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Paris, a mortal prince, was asked to settle the dispute, which resulted in him picking Aphrodite, being gifted the love of Helen of Troy, and setting off the events of the Trojan War.[24] Other myths include Atalanta’s Race and The Golden Apples of the Hesperides.
    • Represents… desire, immortality, divine power, conflict, and rivalry.
    • Most closely associated with… Eris, Aphrodite, Hera, and Paris.
    • Do you know your apples from your aegises? Take our Ultimate Greek Mythology Trivia Quiz to find out!
  20. Step 20 Pomegranate
    The pomegranate is most famously tied to the story of Persephone, the goddess of spring who was abducted by Hades and forcibly taken to the Underworld. Once there, Hades allowed Persephone to leave the Underworld and return to her mother (Demeter), but he first gave her pomegranate seeds to eat. By eating six seeds, Persephone was forced to spend six months of each year in the Underworld, but she was free to spend the other six months on earth, bringing the spring and summer seasons with her.[25] The pomegranate is also linked to Hera and Aphrodite as a symbol of marital commitment.
    • Represents… fertility, death, rebirth, marriage, resurrection, and the cycle of the seasons.
    • Most closely associated with… Persephone, Hera, and Aphrodite.
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Section 2 of 3:

Symbols For Every Major Greek God

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  1. Each god and goddess in the Greek pantheon has their own symbols—some of which are more popular and obvious than others. The main gods are “the Olympian gods that we hear about the most,” explains Greek and Roman mythology expert Julia VanderHoeven, “such as Zeus, Hera, Demeter, Hades, and Poseidon.”[26] Below, we’ve listed the most important deities in Greek myth (including the Twelve Olympians), alongside the key symbols for each one:[27]
    • Zeus: Lightning bolt, eagle, swan, clouds, bull, and oak tree.
      • Zeus is the Greek god of lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice.
    • Poseidon: Trident, horse, dolphin, fish, and bull.
      • Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea, storms, water, and earthquakes.
    • Hades: Helm of Darkness, Cerberus, bident, and keys.
      • Hades is the Greek god of hidden wealth and the ruler of the dead.
    • Hera: Diadem, pomegranate, peacock, and cow.
      • Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family.
    • Athena: Owl, olive tree, spear, aegis, and serpents.
      • Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and strategic warfare.
    • Aphrodite: Scallop shell, hand mirror, golden apple, dove, and swan.
      • Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and passion.
    • Artemis: Moon, deer, wolf, and a bow and arrow.
      • Artemis is the Greek goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, and the moon.
    • Apollo: Lyre, bow and arrow, python, laurel wreath, chariot, and the sun.
      • Apollo is the Greek god of the sun, light, music, poetry, prophecy, and medicine.
    • Ares: Helmet and spear, torch, vulture, and dog, as well as a chariot and suit of armor, adds Hewison.[28]
      • Ares is the Greek god of war, violence, and bloodshed.
    • Hephaestus: Hammer, anvil, donkey, volcano, and fire.
      • Hephaestus is the Greek god of fire, metalworking, and forges.
    • Hestia: Kettle, wooden throne, fireplace, and a pig.
      • Hestia is the Greek goddess of the hearth, home, and domestic life.
    • Demeter: Wheat, cornucopia, torch, poppy flower, and bread.
      • Demeter is the Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, and sacred law.
    • Hermes: Caduceus, winged shoes, winged hat, and tortoise shell.
      • Hermes is the Greek messenger god of trade, thieves, athletes, and travelers.
    • Dionysus: Grapes, ivy, pinecone, panther, and a theatrical mask.
      • Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, theater, and festivity.
Section 3 of 3:

Symbols For Minor Greek Gods

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  1. While you might know more about the major Greek gods, there are many non-Olympian gods that are still important to myth and culture. Here are just a few of the most important minor gods and goddesses, alongside their key mythical symbols:[29]
    • Persephone: Pomegranate, daffodils, torches, wheat, deer, and bats.
      • Persephone is the Greek goddess of spring and the Queen of the Underworld.
    • Nike: Wings, laurel wreath, palm branch, and golden sandals.
      • Nike is the Greek goddess of victory.
    • Hecate: Wheel, crossroads, torches, keys, serpents, and black dogs.
      • Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic and crossroads.
    • Iris: Rainbow, Caduceus, water pitcher, and golden wings.
      • Iris is the Greek messenger goddess of the rainbow.
    • Thanatos: Theta (Θ), butterfly, inverted torch, poppies, and a sword.
      • Thanatos is the Greek god of death.
    • Eris: Golden apple, wings, thorns, snakes, and a double-edged dagger.
      • Eris is the Greek goddess of discord.
    • Hebe: Wine goblet, pitcher, eagle, ivy, golden wreath, wings, and the Fountain of Youth.
      • Hebe is the Greek goddess of youth.
    • Hypnos: Poppies, an inverted torch, wings, a horn of opium, and an ebony couch.
      • Hypnos is the Greek god of sleep.
    • Tyche: Cornucopia, ship rudder, wheel, rolling ball, and a mural crown.
      • Tyche is the Greek goddess of fortune and luck.
    • Asclepius: The Rod of Asclepius, or a staff encircled by a single snake.
      • Asclepius is the Greek god of medicine and healing.
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References

  1. ↑ https://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Greekhistory&gods.htm
  2. ↑ https://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Greekhistory&gods.htm
  3. ↑ https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Eros/eros.html
  4. ↑ Elianne El-Amyouni. Doctor of Philosophy. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Lance Hewison. Greek Mythology Expert. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Greekhistory&gods.htm
  1. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/109KKJ
  3. ↑ https://science.nasa.gov/resource/whats-up-june-2022/
  4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Phaethon-Greek-mythology
  5. ↑ https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Talaria.html
  6. ↑ https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5570&context=etd
  7. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/aegis
  8. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Maria Souza. Comparative Mythologist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://pressbooks.nvcc.edu/eng257/chapter/symbols/
  11. ↑ Maria Souza. Comparative Mythologist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ https://blogs.holycross.edu/alexandraberardelli/2023/11/05/all-about-athena-at-the-acropolis/
  13. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ John Paul Gomez. Ancient Symbols Expert. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ https://www.nga.gov/artworks/51095-judgment-paris
  16. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1118911/
  17. ↑ Julia VanderHoeven. Greek and Roman Mythology Expert. Expert Interview
  18. ↑ https://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Greekhistory&gods.htm
  19. ↑ Lance Hewison. Greek Mythology Expert. Expert Interview
  20. ↑ https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/other-gods/

About This Article

John Paul Gomez
Co-authored by:
John Paul Gomez
Ancient Symbols Expert
This article was co-authored by John Paul Gomez and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. John Paul Gomez is an ancient symbols expert and the founder of FraternalTies based in Toronto, Canada. With over 17 years in the world of freemasonry, John Paul is the Worshipful Master of his Freemason lodge. In 2008, when he first joined the freemason fraternity, he was searching for a Masonic necktie and discovered a need for more modern, elevated designs. In 2009, John Paul established FraternalTies, creating product lines of high-quality Masonic ties that honor the tradition and help elevate the Masonic experience for members. Their custom neckties are touted as best-in-class by several Masonic podcasts, including the Meet, Act and Part podcast and Masonic publications like the Southern California Research Lodge's Fraternal Review magazine. John Paul is an alumni from DeMolay International, a youth leadership organization with Masonic origins.
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