The ancient Greeks believed their gods to be of the same shape and form
as themselves, but of far greater beauty, strength, and dignity. They
also regarded them as being of much larger size than men; for in those
times great size was esteemed a perfection, supposed to be an attribute
of divinities, to whom they ascribed all perfections. A fluid named
ichor supplied the place of blood in the veins of the gods. They were
immortal, but they might be wounded or otherwise injured. They could
make themselves visible or invisible to men, and assume the forms of
men or of animals. Like men they stood in daily need of food and sleep.
The meat of the gods was called ambrosia, their drink nectar. The gods,
when they came among men, often partook of their food and hospitality.
[Illustration: Glimpse into the interior of the Pantheon at Rome showing
statues of the gods and the marvelous effects of lighting.]
Like mankind, the gods were divided into two sexes; namely, gods and
goddesses. They married and had children. Often a god became enamored of
a mortal woman, or a goddess was smitten with the charms of a handsome
youth, and these love tales form a large portion of Grecian mythology.
To make the resemblance between gods and men more complete, the Greeks
ascribed to their deities all human passions, both good and evil. They
were capable of love, friendship, gratitude, and all affections; on the
other hand, they were frequently envious, jealous, and revengeful. They
were particularly careful to exact all due respect and attention from
mankind, whom they required to honor them with temples, prayers, costly
sacrifices, splendid processions, and rich gifts; and they severely
punished insult or neglect.