Activity Overview
Prior to or while reading, it is helpful for students to grasp the knowledge of important Greek gods and goddesses. If starting this assignment while reading students can complete this character map to help keep track of important attributes of each god. If completing before reading, internet research may be helpful to establish domains, and characteristics of particular gods that play a significant role in mythology.
Greek Gods and Goddesses
| GREEK NAME | ROMAN NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Ares | Mars | Known as the god of war, son of Zeus and Hera. He is fierce, and the bringer of chaos. |
| Artemis | Diana | Twin sister of Apollo, goddess of the hunt, and represented by the moon. |
| Athena | Minerva | Athena is the goddess of skill, peace, warfare, and wisdom. She was born, fully grown, from Zeus' head. |
| Apollo | Apollo | The god of music and arts, knowledge, healing, plague, prophecy, manly beauty, and archery. He is the son of Zeus and Leto and has a twin sister named Artemis. He is identified with the sun. |
| Aphrodite | Venus | The goddess of love, beauty, and desire. She is said to be the most beautiful of all the goddesses. She is married to Hephaestus, but had affairs with Ares, Adonis, and Anchises. |
| Demeter | Ceres | Zeus's sister, she is goddess of the harvest and agriculture, responsible for growth. Her symbol is the cornucopia. |
| Hades | Pluto | More than just a god, Hades is King of the Underworld. He is Zeus's brother, and known for his three-headed dog, Cerberus! |
| Hermes | Mercury | God of travel, trade, and communication. He is more commonly referred to as the messenger god. He is the son of Zeus and Maia. His symbol is the caduceus, a herald's wand. |
| Hephaestus | Vulcan | The god of fire and smithing. He is known for the tools and crafts he creates. He is the son of Hera and the husband to Aphrodite. His symbol is the hammer. |
| Hera | Juno | Hera is Queen of the Gods, wife of Zeus, and is the goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. Her husband's numerous affairs often drive her to vengeful jealousy. |
| Hestia | Vesta | Goddess of the home and chastity, she is Zeus's sister, and is the symbol of modesty, with her hearth and kettle. Although she plays few roles in Greek mythology, she was a major deity of the Romans. |
| Poseidon | Neptune | Brother to Zeus, king of all the water and its creatures. This Trident waving God is responsible for making many of the animals on land and in the sea. |
| Zeus | Jupiter | The king of the Greek gods. He overthrew his father Chronos, rescued his siblings, clashed with the Titans, and settled on top of Mount Olympus. He is the god of thunder, throwing lighting bolts from the sky. Many of the Greek gods and heroes were fathered by Zeus. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Fill out the character map for the Greek gods and goddesses.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Title each cell with the names of the Greek gods and goddesses.
- Choose characters from the Greek Mythology or Classical Era character tabs to represent each god.
- Choose an appropriate background to show the gods in their domains.
- Add items if applicable.
- Fill out each box: Domain, Symbol, Associated Myth, & Roman Name.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Activity Overview
Prior to or while reading, it is helpful for students to grasp the knowledge of important Greek gods and goddesses. If starting this assignment while reading students can complete this character map to help keep track of important attributes of each god. If completing before reading, internet research may be helpful to establish domains, and characteristics of particular gods that play a significant role in mythology.
Greek Gods and Goddesses
| GREEK NAME | ROMAN NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Ares | Mars | Known as the god of war, son of Zeus and Hera. He is fierce, and the bringer of chaos. |
| Artemis | Diana | Twin sister of Apollo, goddess of the hunt, and represented by the moon. |
| Athena | Minerva | Athena is the goddess of skill, peace, warfare, and wisdom. She was born, fully grown, from Zeus' head. |
| Apollo | Apollo | The god of music and arts, knowledge, healing, plague, prophecy, manly beauty, and archery. He is the son of Zeus and Leto and has a twin sister named Artemis. He is identified with the sun. |
| Aphrodite | Venus | The goddess of love, beauty, and desire. She is said to be the most beautiful of all the goddesses. She is married to Hephaestus, but had affairs with Ares, Adonis, and Anchises. |
| Demeter | Ceres | Zeus's sister, she is goddess of the harvest and agriculture, responsible for growth. Her symbol is the cornucopia. |
| Hades | Pluto | More than just a god, Hades is King of the Underworld. He is Zeus's brother, and known for his three-headed dog, Cerberus! |
| Hermes | Mercury | God of travel, trade, and communication. He is more commonly referred to as the messenger god. He is the son of Zeus and Maia. His symbol is the caduceus, a herald's wand. |
| Hephaestus | Vulcan | The god of fire and smithing. He is known for the tools and crafts he creates. He is the son of Hera and the husband to Aphrodite. His symbol is the hammer. |
| Hera | Juno | Hera is Queen of the Gods, wife of Zeus, and is the goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. Her husband's numerous affairs often drive her to vengeful jealousy. |
| Hestia | Vesta | Goddess of the home and chastity, she is Zeus's sister, and is the symbol of modesty, with her hearth and kettle. Although she plays few roles in Greek mythology, she was a major deity of the Romans. |
| Poseidon | Neptune | Brother to Zeus, king of all the water and its creatures. This Trident waving God is responsible for making many of the animals on land and in the sea. |
| Zeus | Jupiter | The king of the Greek gods. He overthrew his father Chronos, rescued his siblings, clashed with the Titans, and settled on top of Mount Olympus. He is the god of thunder, throwing lighting bolts from the sky. Many of the Greek gods and heroes were fathered by Zeus. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Fill out the character map for the Greek gods and goddesses.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Title each cell with the names of the Greek gods and goddesses.
- Choose characters from the Greek Mythology or Classical Era character tabs to represent each god.
- Choose an appropriate background to show the gods in their domains.
- Add items if applicable.
- Fill out each box: Domain, Symbol, Associated Myth, & Roman Name.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about Greek Gods Character Map
Organize a Greek Gods Sorting Activity for Your Class
Engage students by providing printed or digital cards featuring each Greek god's name, domain, symbol, and Roman name. Sorting activities help learners visually classify and connect information.
Explain the Purpose of the Sorting Activity to Students
Clarify that the goal is to match gods to their correct domains, symbols, and Roman names. This builds understanding and boosts retention of key attributes for each deity.
Model How to Sort Using One or Two Examples
Demonstrate sorting with a sample god, such as Zeus. Show how to connect his name with domain (sky/thunder), symbol (lightning bolt), and Roman name (Jupiter). Think aloud so students see your reasoning process.
Let Students Work Individually or in Small Groups
Encourage students to collaborate or practice independently. Monitor progress and offer hints if anyone is stuck. Peer discussion can help clarify confusing pairs.
Review Answers and Discuss Surprising Connections
Go over the correct matches as a class. Highlight interesting or unexpected facts, like shared symbols or overlapping domains. Reinforce the importance of each detail for future assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Gods Character Map
What is a Greek gods character map and how can I use it in my classroom?
A Greek gods character map is a visual organizer that helps students track important details about each god or goddess, such as their domains, symbols, Roman names, and key myths. Using it in your classroom supports comprehension and recall as students read about Greek mythology.
How do I create a character map for Greek gods and goddesses with my students?
To create a character map, have students list each Greek god or goddess, then fill in details for their domain, symbol, associated myths, and Roman name. You can use templates, graphic organizers, or digital tools to make the process interactive and engaging.
Why is it important for students to learn the domains and symbols of Greek gods?
Learning the domains and symbols of Greek gods helps students understand character roles, story themes, and cultural references in mythology, making it easier to follow complex stories and connect with ancient history.
What are some quick activities to help students remember Greek gods and their Roman names?
Try matching games, flash cards, or creative projects like drawing or acting out myths. Quick quizzes and group discussions also reinforce the connection between Greek gods and their Roman counterparts.
How can I adapt a Greek gods character map lesson for different grade levels?
For younger students, focus on basic attributes and symbols. For older students, add deeper analysis, such as comparing myths or exploring the impact of Greek mythology on modern culture. Adjust the complexity of tasks and discussion questions to fit your class.
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