sun, light and music. Athena Athena, for whom Athens was named, was the goddess of wisdom. Aphrodite Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty Hades Hades, another brother of Zeus, was lord of the dead. Hepaestus Hephaestus, god of fire, often made metal tools and weapons to aid the gods and some fortunate mortals. Hermes Hermes was Zeus' son and the messenger of the gods. Hermes was noted for his pranks as well as for his speed. ZEUS Zeus was the most powerful of the gods. Should he have to bring order, he would hurl a thunderbolt. Zeus shared his powers and ruled with other great gods. HERA Hera was the wife of Zeus, and thus, the Queen. Hera was the goddess of marriage, children, and the home Poseidon Poseidon, the lord of the sea, was the brother of Zeus