Greek Gods and Sport

The gods intersect with sport as PATRONS and through their anthropomorphism as participants and spectators.

PATRONS

Zeus, god of Olympia

Hera. Young women raced during the Heraia (a festival in her honor) at Olympia.

Athena, goddess of Panathenaic festival

Hermes, god of athletes

Poseidon, god of horses and charioteers, also god of Isthmian games

Apollo, god of Pythian games and god of archery

Dioskouri (Gemini)

Castor the horseman

Polydeukes, the boxer

ANTHROPOMORPHISM

Apollo throws discus in story of Hyacinthus

Artemis and her companions (e.g., Atalanta) are runners

Hades carrying off Persephone is a variation on Pelops' chariot race