Greek mythology is not a religion in the modern sense, but rather a collection of beliefs, rituals, and stories that were part of the ancient Greek religion. The ancient Greeks did not have a word for religion in the modern sense, and no Greek writer known to us classifies either the gods or the cult practices into separate religions. Instead, the beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks in relation to the gods can be thought of as a group of closely related "religious dialects" that resembled each other far more than they did those of non-Greeks. Ancient Greek theology was polytheistic, based on the assumption that there were many gods and goddesses, as well as a range of lesser supernatural beings of various types. Devotees worship the Greek gods, which are the Twelve Olympians, divinities and spirits of nature, underworld deities, and heroes). The most-striking characteristic of Greek religion was the belief in a multiplicity of anthropomorphic deities under one supreme god. Therefore, Greek mythology is closely interlinked with Greek religion, and the myths embodied the worldview of Greek religion and remain its legacy. Ancient Greek religious practice was essentially conservative in nature and was based on time-honored observances.
In summary, Greek mythology is not a separate religion but rather an integral part of the ancient Greek religion, which was polytheistic and centered around a collection of beliefs, rituals, and stories about the gods and goddesses. Devotees of this ancient religion worshiped the Greek gods and practiced time-honored observances.
