Before the Zeus took over, the Titans were the gods who ruled the earth. It was not a happy time, as the world was filled with darkness and suffering. Zeus banished most of the Titans, but many were allowed to stay on as minor gods and goddesses with minimal powers.
Cronus
Ruler of the gods
Roman Name: Saturn
Cronus overthrew his father and led the Titans. Later, his son Zeus overthrew
him and took over.
Helios
God of the sun
Roman Name: Helios
Although Apollo is generally credited as being the god of the sun, Helios is
the one who drove the sun chariot across the sky each day. He is the only one
who can control the fiery horses who draw the chariot. His son, Phaëthon,
nearly destroyed the world in an attempt to drive the chariot himself.
Selene
Goddess of the moon
Roman Name: Luna
Selene is the one who holds the moon in her hands. She ruled over the moon before
Artemis.
Eos
Goddess of the dawn
Roman Name: Aurora
Eos would announce the arrival of her brother, Helios, every morning as he drove
his chariot across the sky.
Thetis
Goddess of the sea
Thetis was the original sea goddess. When Zeus took over, he forced Thetis to
give up her rulings over the sea to Poseidon. Even so, Thetis played a major
role in Greek mythology. She gave birth the Achilles, one of the greatest heroes
ever.
Nyx
Goddess of the night
Roman Name: Nox
Nyx brought darkness after Helios rode across the sky. She had many children,
including the goddesses of the sunset, and the gods of sleep and death.
Erebus
God of darkness
Roman Name: Erebus
Erebus rarely appears in mythology, but he fathered many children with his wife,
Nyx.
Ge/Gaia/Gaea
Goddess of the earth
Roman Name: Tellus
Ge was considered to be the actual earth that all food and crops came from.
Unlike Demeter who tended to the plants, Ge was part of the earth itself.
Rhea
Mother of the gods
Roman Name: Ops
Rhea gave birth to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and many other major gods. She
also saved them from the wrath of their father who wanted to destroy them.
The Fates
Goddesses of all time
Roman Name: Morae
The fates controlled the life of every mortal. They are best known for their
famous shears which they use to cut the thread of life for any mortal.