Introduction

When discussing Greek mythology, the term Olympian often comes up as referring to the 12 (or 13) primary deities who reside on Mt. Olympus. However, more than just a handful of gods have a secondary status among the pantheon. This article will explore the reasons behind the exclusion of Hades and Eris from the ranks of the Olympians and the concept of the Dodecatheon.

The Olympians: Defining the Core

The term Olympian typically refers to a select group of 12 (or 13 in some versions) primary deities. These are:

Zeus Hera Poseidon Demeter Ares Artemis Apollo Aphrodite Hephaestus Hermes Dionysus Hestia (formerly)

While these gods are the most celebrated and widely recognized in Greek mythology, there are many other gods who also reside on Mt. Olympus but are not considered Olympians. The inclusion of Hades and Eris in this article serves to clarify the distinction.

Hades: Ruler of the Underworld, Not an Olympian

Hades, the god of the underworld, is not an Olympian. This exclusion is primarily due to his domain and the nature of his role.

Historically, Hades was given control of the underworld after his father Cronus was overthrown by his sons, including Zeus. If Hades had been granted control of either the sea or the sky, he would have replaced Poseidon or Zeus, respectively.

Another reason for Hades not being considered an Olympian is that, unlike other gods like Zeus, he did not have a significant presence on Mt. Olympus. His role was largely chthonic, and there was no culture of worship for him in the same way as Zeus and other Olympians. His name "Zeus Khthonios" (Zeus of the Earth) further supports this chthonic nature.

Eris: Minor Daimon, Not an Olympian

Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, is another deity who is not considered an Olympian. While she is described in some sources as Ares' and Hephaestus' sister, this does not make her part of the Dodecatheon.

Eris's significance is minimal compared to other Olympians. The worship of strife itself would not be a prudent choice due to its destructive nature. In contrast, Ares, the god of war, is more suitable as a figure to whom offerings can be made to avert conflict. Additionally, Eris currently enjoys more popularity through Discordianism, a modern subculture, rather than ancient worship.

The Dodecatheon: A Specific Group

The term Dodecatheon refers to the specific group of 12 or 13 primary deities that are generally recognized as the major Olympians. This group is not a pantheon in the sense of including every significant god in Greek mythology, but rather a core group with special significance.

Other gods who reside on Mt. Olympus but are not part of the Dodecatheon include:

Iris, the messenger goddess Heracles, the hero Hebe, the goddess of youth Asclepius, the god of medicine Hygeia, the goddess of health Erates, the god of desire and love

Each of these gods, though important, do not share the same status as the Olympians, primarily due to their specific domains, cultural significance, or the nature of their worship.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the Olympians are a specific, defined group of 12 (or 13) gods who are central to the Greek pantheon. Their status as Olympians is not merely based on their significance or domain, but on their cultural and historical representation as the most prominent deities worshipped in ancient Greek religion. Hades and Eris, due to their unique roles and the nature of their deities, do not fit into this category and are thus not considered Olympians.