The Two Types of Titans in Greek Mythology

Often counted among the gods and goddesses, there are two main groups of titans in Greek mythology. They come from different generations. The second generation is probably the one youre familiar with. They are depicted as humanoid, even if giant. The earlier ones are even bigger — as large as is visible to the naked eye — so its no wonder titanic signifies exceptional size. This page introduces both, provides mates, and spheres of influence. First Generation Titans of Greek Mythology The titans in the first generation are the aunts, uncles, and parents of Zeus and company — the well-known Olympian gods and goddesses). These titans are the 12 children of the primordial personifications of the earth (Gaia) and the sky (Uranus). (Now do you see why I said the titans were really big?) Female titans may sometimes be distinguished from their brothers as titanides. This isnt perfect, though, since there is a Greek ending on this term that should be reserved for the children of the titans rather than female version of the same. Here are the names and areas of first generation titans: Oceanus [Okeanos] - the ocean(father of nymphs)Coeus [Koios and Polos] - questioning(father of Leto Asteria)Crius [Krios, probably Megamedes the great lord [source: Theoi]](father of Pallas, Astraeus, and Perses)Hyperion - light(father of sun-god, moon, dawn)Iapetus [Iapetos](father of Prometheus, Atlas, and Epimetheus)Cronus [Kronos] (aka Saturn)Thea [Theia] - sight(Hyperions mate)Rhea [Rheia](Cronus and Rhea were the parents of the Olympian gods and goddesses)Themis - justice and order(Zeus second consort, mother of the Hours, Fates)Mnemosyne - memory(mated with Zeus to produce the Muses)Phoebe - oracle, intellect [source: Theoi(Coeus mate)Tethys(Oceans mate) The titans Cronus (#6 above) and Rhea (#8) are the parents of Zeus and the other Olympian gods and goddesses.​ Besides the Olympian gods and goddesses, the titans produced other offspring, mating with either other titans or other creatures. These offspring are also called titans, but theyre the titans of the second generation. Second Generation Titans of Greek Mythology Some of the children of the first generation titans are also referred to as titans. The major second generation titans are: AsteriaAstraea (Dike)AstraeusAtlasEos (Dawn)Eosphorus (or Hesperus)Epimetheus (see Pandoras Box)HeliusLetoMenoetiusPallasPersesPrometheusSelene As for most aspects of mythology, Carlos Parada has an excellent page on the titans. Also Known As: Ouranià ´nes, Ouranidai Examples Dione, Phorcys, Anytus, and Demeter are sometimes added to the list of 12 titans: Oceanus, Coeus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus, Cronus, Thea, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, and Tethys. Youll find titans in the following stories: The castration of Ouranos,The creation of man,The fight with the gods, known as the Titanomachy, but often mixed up with the story of the gods battle with the giants, andThe imprisonment of the titans in Tartarus.