The Greek gods didn't have "jobs" in the way we think of them, like a 9-to-5. Instead, each god and goddess had a
specific domain, responsibility, or area of influence over which they presided. Think of them as being in charge of specific aspects of the cosmos, human life, and the natural world.
Here's a breakdown of some of the major gods and their domains:
* Zeus: King of the Gods, ruler of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice.
* Hera: Queen of the Gods, goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family.
* Poseidon: God of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses.
* Hades: God of the underworld, the dead, and wealth (due to the precious metals mined from the earth).
* Demeter: Goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, and nature.
* Athena: Goddess of wisdom, warfare, crafts, and strategic battle.
* Apollo: God of music, poetry, light, healing, and prophecy.
* Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the moon, and childbirth (ironically, sometimes).
* Ares: God of war, violence, and bloodshed.
* Aphrodite: Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.
* Hephaestus: God of fire, metalworking, crafts, and blacksmiths.
* Hermes: Messenger of the Gods, god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings, guide to the underworld.
* Dionysus: God of wine, celebrations, ecstasy, theatre, and fertility.
* Hestia: Goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
In essence, their "job" was to:
* Maintain order: They were responsible for the natural laws and moral codes.
* Oversee their specific domains: They influenced the events within their areas of responsibility. For example, Poseidon could cause storms at sea, and Demeter could ensure a bountiful harvest.
* Interact with mortals: They intervened in human affairs, sometimes helping, sometimes hindering, and often driven by their own passions and desires.
* Uphold their own power and status: They competed with each other for influence and respect, leading to drama and conflicts.
* Accept worship and offerings: In exchange for their favor, humans offered sacrifices and prayers.
So, instead of a job description, think of each god having a specific portfolio of responsibilities and powers within the overall structure of the Greek pantheon and the cosmos. It was a complex system of divine influence and interaction.