The word 'symbol' has its origin in the ancient Greek (sýmbolon), which means to add. In Greek mythology, there are numerous symbols representing both objects and activities related to their gods. The symbols of the main Greek gods are:
- Peacock: is the symbol of Hera - sister and third wife of Zeus. Because of her jealousy and vanity, the goddess ordered the 'giant of a hundred eyes' to take care of Io, one of her husband's various lovers. The two marks on the peacock's feathers symbolize the eyes of the giant (Argos).
- Lightning, Tree and Eagle: The King of the Olympians, better known as Zeus, has three symbols - the eagle, the oak tree and the ray. The eagle represents its sovereign position over other gods and mortals, the tree symbolizes strength and the ray is its synonym - its weapon. The image of Zeus, most of the time, appears accompanied by lightning or lightning in his hands.
- Trident: The trident is the symbol of Poseidon - brother of Zeus and son of Cronos and Reia. In the Minoan civilization was the supreme god - lord who manipulates the climate -, as the attribute happened to be of Zeus, an agreement decided the division of powers between them. Poseidon became the supreme god of the sea.
- Helmet: The helmet is the symbol of Hades - the god who commanded the lower world, the world of the dead. He was also a husband, and he kidnapped Persephone, his niece. The helmet of Hades makes anyone who uses it invisible. Perseus used it to kill Medusa, for example. Like the lightning bolt of Zeus and the trident of Poseidon, the helmet was also one of the gifts of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants).
- Fire: Fire is the symbol of Hestia - the Greek goddess of the home and of family ties. Although not appearing very often in mythological stories, she was one of the chief goddesses, sister of Zeus, and admired by all the gods.
- Wheat: It is the symbol of Demeter - goddess of cultivated land, seasons and crops. It is the promoter of wheat, a symbol of Greek civilization, and because of its relation with the harvest and fecundity of plants, it is now associated with cereal.
