Lesser Known Greek Gods

When it comes to the Hellenic gods, names such as Zeus, Hera, and Aphrodite come to mind. It isn't all that surprising, as these are one of the most well-known gods of the Greek pantheon. Most are familiar with the 12 Olympians and some of the chthonic gods like Hades and Persephone. These gods just scratch the surface. Many more gods and goddesses exist, but are often forgotten or simply unknown.

Eileithyia

Athena emerges from Zeus' head with Eileithyia on the right

Eileithyia, the daughter of Zeus and Hera, is the goddess of childbirth and labor pains. She is. often overshadowed by her mother and Artemis, but she played a vital role in ancient Greek birthing rituals. Her name means "She who comes to aid." Her Roman counterpart is Lucina. 

In the Orphic hymn to Prothyraia, Artemis is also given her epithet related. As the primary goddess of childbirth alongside Artemis, many shrines dedicated to her can be found in various locations, highlighting her significance.

"When racked with labor pangs, and sore distressed
the sex invoke thee, as the soul's sure rest;
for thou Eileithyia alone canst give relief to pain,
which art attempts to ease, but tries in vain.
Artemis Eileithyia, venerable power,
who bringest relief in labor's dreadful hour."

                - Orphic Hymn 2 to Prothyraia, as translated by Thomas Taylor, 1792 

Eileithyia is depicted holding a torch or with arms up in the air to bring a child to the light

Harmonia 

Harmonia embraces Cadmus after he was transformed into a serpent.

Daughter of Aphrodite and Ares, she is the goddess of harmony and concord. She presided over martial harmony and soothing strife and discord. Her opposite is Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, while her Roman counterpart is Concordia.

Harmonia is well-known for her marriage to Cadmus, along with the many misfortunes that fell upon their descendants due to the fabled Necklace of Harmonia. Through her daughter Semele, she is the grandmother of Lord Dionysus.

While she was not the most prominent goddess, she was prayed to during ancient times for blessings on marriages, resolving conflicts, and preventing discord.

Asclepius

Asclepius with his serpent-entwined staff

Asclepius is the god of medicine. There are various stories of his parentage, such as him being the son of Apollo and Coronis, of Arsinoe, or simply of Apollo. His Roman counterpart is Aesculapius.

In this version, his parents are Apollo and Coronis. His mother dies in childbirth, and he is later raised by the centaur Chiron, who taught him the art of medicine. Asclepius became so skilled that he was able to bring the dead back to life. Due to this, Zeus struck him down dead with a thunderbolt, as bringing the dead back to life went against the natural order.

He is depicted with a serpent-entwined staff, and his sacred animal is none other than the snake. In statues, he is portrayed as a kind, bearded man holding his signature staff. There are not many Greek vase paintings of him.

Priapos

Priapos with his large penis and vegetables

Priapos is a minor fertility god who is also the god of vegetable gardens, male genitalia, and the protector of livestock. His cult was brought over from Lampsakos in Asia Minor. Like with Asclepius, there are various stories of his parentage. The most popular one states that he is the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite.

The minor Greek god was raised by shepherds after the other refused to let him live on Mount Olympus and threw him down to earth. He would later join Pan and the satyrs as a fertility and growth spirit.

Priapos can easily be recognized due to his large penis and permanent erection. 

Eirene

Statue of Eirene depicting her holding Plutus

Eirene is the goddess of peace and is commonly said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Her sisters are Eunomia (Good Order) and Dike (Justice). Her Roman counterpart is Pax. 

Unfortunately, there isn't too much information on the goddess. Her statues depict her holding the infant Plutus in her arms. Her symbols are said to be the cornucopia and rhyton.