Here is a list of important mortals in Greek mythology, along with descriptions and interesting facts of them.
Achilles
Achilles was the son of mortal, Peleus and goddess Thetis. When he was a young baby his mother, Thetis dipped him in the river Styx; which is the river you must pass to enter the underworld. She dipped him into the river to give him immortality so he could live with her forever. But when dipping him she held on to his tendon, his Achilles' tendon, which was the only part of his body that wasn't immortal. Because of his invincibility he became the greatest warrior of all-time. He could run faster than any horse, and his presence was enough to send his enemies running away with fear. But in the Trojan war, when the greeks were sacking the Trojans, Paris shot Achilles in his one weakness, his Achilles' tendon. He died and was revered by greeks forever. To learn more about the trojan war, visit the myths section.
Atlanta
Atlanta was a woman who was abandoned at infancy. She was 'adopted' by a mother bear. While growing up with other bears she became incredibly powerful and fast. She was able to outwrestle and outrun any man or beast. She was very beautiful but she obly loved one man when he died she vowed to never marry. But the Suitors continued to come to her offering marriage. Eventually she proposed a solution to them constantly berrating her. Whoever could beat her in a race would marry her. So, one clever suitor received golden apples from Aphrodite. He laid them in the path of the race and they stopped Atlanta in her tracks as she stopped to eat them. He defeated her, and therefore, gained her hand in marriage.
Hector
Hector was the son of King Priam of the Trojans. He was a wise, voice of moderation in Troy when there was little reason in the fighting between Greece and Troy. He was against war, and against the kidnapping of Helen from Greece. In battle he was more powerful than any soldier there, except for Achilles, of course. But when Achilles' nephew Patroclus was killed wearing Achilles' armor by Hector, Achilles entered a rage. He and Hector fought with Hector knowing that his killer would not outlive him by more than three days, according to an Oracle. So they fought, and Achilles killed Hector and drug his body around while it was tied to the back of his chariot. But the Trojans got Hector's body back and he was revered by most even higher than Achilles, mostly for his humbleness.
Heracles
Heracles, or Hercules, is what is known as a Demi-god. He was born of a god and a mortal. In this case his father was Zeus, his mother was Alcamene. He was a mortal, yet he was more powerful than most gods. he defeated both Poseidon and Ares in single combat. He created the milky way, and completed 12 labors that would only be completed by a god, or at least a man heavily blessed by the gods. Which he was, Zeus favored Heracles by far over any other mortal. But, Hera hated Heracles because he was a child born from Zeus' infedelity, but with this child he paraded him around like a god. Hera often sent many, many obstacles into Heracles' path, but he defeated them all. To read more on Heracles' 12 labors, pay a visit to the myths section.
Jason
Jason was the leader of an expedition to fetch the Golden Fleece, which was a journey no one could ever survive. Jason was sent on this quest by his uncle who stole the throne from Jason, he hoped this would kill Jason and free up the throne for him to rule without resistance. Jason assembled a group of the finest soldiers and adventurers including Atlanta and Hercules for some of the trip. To read the whole myth of Jason and the Argonauts, visit the myths section.
Odysseus
Odysseus was king of the Greek island of Ithaca. He left his home to fight in the Trojan War. He devised the plan for the Trojan Horse, which led to the Greeks' victory. His real story begans, though when he leaves Troy to return home. Because of his boastfulnes and pride the gods did not allow him to return home for many, many years. But through his cunning and strength, he made it home to his faithful wife Penelope. His journey, titled The Odyssey, is sometimes accredited with being the first novel written, and one the greatest. To read one of many versions of the Odyssey, visit the myths section.
Perseus
Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae. He, like Jason, was challenged by a corrupt king, who sent him to complete a seemingly impossible task, to retrieve the head of Medusa. When someone would look directly into Medusa's eyes, they would be turned to stone. So through help from the gods and magical items he defeated Medusa and brought her head back to save his mother from the corrupt king. If you would like to read the whole myth, please visit the myths section.
Theseus
Theseus was the son of Aegeus and Aethra, but his true father may have been Poseidon. He offered himself up to be one of the people who were sacrificed to the Minotaur of King Minos. He with the help of Minos' daughter found and killed the Minotaur in the labyrinth and then made his way out. That act freed the people from the fear of Minos and his yearly sacrifices to the Minotaur to ensure they wouldn't revolt against him. His story is one the longest of the great Greek heroes. To read a shorter version of the myth visit the myths section.