Greek God Tattoo Meaning: Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Hades and Apollo

Short answer: a Greek god tattoo means the quality that god ruled over. Zeus stands for power, leadership and justice; Poseidon for the sea, strength and emotion; Athena for wisdom and strategy; Hades for death, the underworld and hidden wealth; Apollo for art, music, the sun and healing. Each god has a symbol you can use instead of, or as well as, a face: Zeus’s thunderbolt and eagle, Poseidon’s trident, Athena’s owl and helmet, Hades’s three-headed dog Cerberus, and Apollo’s lyre and laurel wreath.

Greek mythology is one of the most requested themes for large black and grey pieces, because the statues and stories give tattoo artists strong faces, muscles and drama to work with. Here is what the main gods mean and how to choose between them.

Zeus: power and leadership

Zeus was the king of the gods on Mount Olympus and the god of the sky, thunder and justice. His symbols are the thunderbolt, the eagle and the oak tree. A Zeus tattoo usually means authority, protection of family, or taking control of your own life. In the myths Zeus is also unfaithful and quick to anger, so some people prefer the thunderbolt or eagle on its own.

Poseidon: the sea and strength

Poseidon ruled the sea, earthquakes and horses. His symbol is the trident, a three-pronged spear. Poseidon tattoos are popular with sailors, divers, surfers and people from coastal towns, and often mean strength, a powerful temper, or a deep connection to the ocean. Sea creatures like the seahorse and dolphin fit naturally around him.

Athena: wisdom and strategy

Athena was the goddess of wisdom, crafts and strategic war, and the protector of Athens. She is usually shown wearing a helmet and holding a spear and shield, with an owl and an olive tree as her symbols. Her shield or breastplate carried the head of Medusa. Athena tattoos mean intelligence, calm strength and fighting with your head rather than your temper, and they are a popular choice for women who want a strong warrior image.

Hades: the underworld

Hades ruled the land of the dead, together with his wife Persephone. His symbols are Cerberus, the three-headed guard dog, a helmet that made him invisible, and a two-pronged staff. In Greek myth he is stern but not evil; he keeps order among the dead rather than causing death. Hades tattoos can mean accepting death, a dark chapter of life, a memorial, or hidden wealth (the Greeks also linked him with riches under the earth).

Apollo: art, music and the sun

Apollo was the god of music, poetry, light, healing and prophecy. His symbols are the lyre, the laurel wreath, the bow and the sun. An Apollo tattoo suits musicians, artists, doctors and anyone who wants a symbol of creativity and balance. The laurel wreath alone is also a classic sign of victory.

Other gods people choose

• Ares: raw war and courage, often in full armour.
• Aphrodite: love and beauty, with roses, doves or a scallop shell - see our full Aphrodite tattoo guide for the ancient split between her heavenly and earthly cults.
• Artemis: the hunt, the moon and independence, with a bow and deer - see our full Artemis tattoo guide for the huntress-versus-protector story behind her.
• Hermes: travel, speed and communication, with winged sandals and a staff with two snakes.
• Nike: the winged goddess of victory.

Greek or Roman names?

The Romans took over most Greek gods under new names: Zeus became Jupiter, Poseidon became Neptune, Athena became Minerva and Hades became Pluto. Apollo kept his name. If you want lettering under the image, decide which tradition you mean and keep it consistent.

Statue style and design

• Marble statue realism: the most popular style. Black and grey shading makes the skin look like carved stone.
• Cracked or broken statues: a missing piece or crack can mean that strength survives damage, or that nothing lasts forever.
• Combined scenes: on a full back or sleeve, gods, heroes like a Spartan warrior, columns, clouds and lightning can be built into one story.
• Size: faces need room. A god’s portrait works from the upper arm or calf upward; for a small tattoo, choose the symbol instead (a thunderbolt, trident, owl or laurel wreath).

At GOAT Tattoo Studio

Our gallery includes many Greek mythology pieces in black and grey: a full back of Greek gods, a Spartan warrior in front of a lightning-lit statue of Zeus, a helmeted warrior goddess portrait on the upper arm, a laurel-crowned figure holding a lyre on the shoulder, and a fine-line cracked stone bust on the forearm. At your consultation we can help you choose a god, the symbols that go with it and a size that will age well.

Planning a realistic piece in Hanoi? Our realistic and portrait tattoo page shows prices, the artists who do this style and recent work.