INTRODUCTION:   The ancient Greek religion was organized into a system of myths and legends involving supernatural gods and goddesses.  These gods and goddesses were not ugly monsters or half-human/half-beast creations as in other cultures.  The Greeks believed in the importance and value of humans, and so their gods and goddesses took on human form.  The gods and goddesses were not thought to be perfect and did not have power over natural forces.

    The most famous characters in the myths were the twelve gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, known as the Olympians. They came into power after the overthrow of the Titans, and they were all related in some way.  The superhuman features of the Olympians were their immortality and their ability to reveal the future to humans through an oracle (a priestess who revealed the thoughts of a god or goddess ).  Greek citizens expected the gods and goddesses to be their guardians.  The people worshiped and honored the Olympians with many religious rituals and festivals.