My OC Lykandros (The God of Farm Animals)

(I don't know too much about Greek Mythology, so it can have some weird concepts and mistakes, let me know. He utilizes all pronouns btw, you can't go wrong here.)

Lore

Born of Zeus and a mortal shepherdess, Lykandros was meant to be a fearsome guardian of the wild. However, rather than embodying the brutality of the hunt, he took on the role of protector, ensuring that the beasts under human care were treated with respect and that shepherds were not left defenseless against predators.

Yet, the world is unkind to the gentle-hearted. To protect himself and those he loved, Lykandros donned the great skull of a fallen wolf, a beast that once terrorized the flocks. This mask became his symbol, striking fear into those who sought to harm his kin. His form grew imposing, tall and strong, but beneath the fearsome visage lay a god of unwavering kindness.

It was Athena who once aided Lykandros, though the reason remains a tale whispered in half-truths. Some say he lost a sacred flock to raiders and, in desperation, sought her wisdom. Others claim he defied a monstrous foe beyond his strength, and Athena intervened in iration. Whatever the case, Lykandros now owes her a favor, a debt that weighs upon his heart, for he is a god of loyalty and cannot leave a kindness unanswered.

Offerings to Lykandros include bowls of fresh milk, woven wool trinkets, and whispered prayers of gratitude beneath the full moon.

Additional domains

Sustenance and Rural Prosperity: Not just the animals themselves, but ensuring they provide for their owners (milk, wool, labor).

Herding and Animal Husbandry: The wisdom behind breeding, caring for, and protecting farm animals.

Animal Fertility and Health: Overseeing the birth and well-being of livestock.

Sacrificial Offerings: Ensuring that offerings are made with respect and that the animals chosen serve a true purpose.

Protection Against Wild Beasts and Plagues: Keeping livestock safe from predators and disease.

The Balance of Domestication: Choosing which animals should remain wild and which should serve mankind.

Wandering Shepherds and Travelers: Blessing those who roam with their flocks.

Relationships with other gods

Zeus (Father): As one of Zeus’ many children, Lykandros holds a complicated relationship with his father. He respects Zeus’ authority but resents his neglect of mortal struggles.

Hera (Stepmother): To Hera, Lykandros is another stain on Zeus’ fidelity, and she has little interest in him. She sees no great political or warlike influence in him, making him a low priority for either punishment or manipulation. Still, she considers his existence an insult and often scorns him when they cross paths.

Demeter: As the goddess of agriculture, Demeter holds Lykandros in high regard. They work together often, for without his animals, the fields would not be tilled, and without her harvests, his kin would starve.

Athena: Lykandros respects Athena’s wisdom and has benefited from it in the past. Though their domains differ, they share mutual respect.

Artemis: As the protector of wild animals, Artemis sometimes disapproves of Lykandros' attachment to domesticated creatures. Still, they have an unspoken understanding as fellow guardians of nature.

Apollo: As both gods have connections to pastoral life, music, and protection, they share a rivalry over who better watches over shepherds. Apollo teases Lykandros for his intimidating appearance, while Lykandros jests that Apollo’s golden beauty would frighten sheep more than wolves would.

Hermes: The trickster god enjoys teasing Lykandros, sometimes shifting his form to steal livestock, only to return them later in a game of mischief. Despite this, Hermes ires his dedication to shepherds, who are often his own worshippers as well.

Ares: The god of war finds Lykandros’ protective instincts weak and pitiful, while Lykandros sees Ares as reckless and destructive. They have clashed before, though never in open war.

Poseidon: Poseidon’s storms often bring ruin to farms and pastures, and Lykandros holds little love for the god of the sea. He will not oppose him directly but often seeks to calm the land after Poseidon’s wrath.