Who and how did the Greeks worship?

The Greeks believed in many gods, so their religion was polytheistic. The Greek gods, although they looked like people, were immortal. They were in charge of different spheres of life. Poets created myths, or stories about gods and heroes. Myths were the subject of literary works and theatrical performances, they entertained, explained the world of gods and people, explained the origin of rituals, and explained phenomena that were incomprehensible to the Greeks.

The head of Olympus

Zeus stood at the head of the gods. His image is actively used even in modern films and literature. You can learn more about this at https://whoiszeus.ca. 

Zeus's distinguishing marks were lightning, an eagle, and a shield. According to myths, Zeus lived with his most important deities on Mount Olympus in northeastern Greece. These twelve deities formed the so-called Olympian pantheon and exercised dominion over the world of humans and all other gods. Eternal youth and immortality were provided by ragweed and nectar. Like people, Greek gods could be moody, mischievous, or unhappily in love. Sometimes they committed disgusting acts: betrayal and even murder. They liked to interfere in the affairs of mortals and ruin their plans.

Three brothers rulers

• The head of the divine family was Zeus, who was called the father of gods and men. He was the ruler of heaven and earth. When he was angry, he sent rain, thunderstorms, lightning and thunder to the earth.
• Poseidon, the brother of Zeus, ruled over the waters-he was the master of the seas, rivers, lakes, and springs. It was up to him to keep the sea calm. When he was not in a good mood, he used his trident to stir up the waves and cause storms.
• Hades, the second brother of Zeus, ruled the underworld of the dead. It was called Hades in honor of its ruler. Its entrance was guarded by Cerberus, a dog with three heads and a mane of snakes.

How did the Greeks worship the gods?

The Greeks offered sacrifices to the gods, often animals. The ritual was accompanied by prayers and singing hymns. The entrails and inedible parts were burned on the altar as a sacrifice to the deity. The meat was boiled or roasted and eaten on the spot during a joyous feast, in which the Greeks believed the worshipped deity participated. The most solemn and expensive sacrifice offered during the great festivals was the so-called hecatomb, the sacrifice of up to one hundred heads of cattle.

Liquid sacrifices, or so-called libations, were also offered. This was an offering of wine, oil, milk, or just water to the gods. Usually this was done on an altar, and the liquids were poured out on the ground in honor of the dead or the gods of the underworld.