Athena
Goddess of Wisdom, Warfare, and Crafts
Wielding her Famed Shield and Lance
This goddess pertains to both brains AND brawn. She was born wielding the weapons she is often depicted with, and naturally she was quite handy with them.
Statue in the Parthenon
Athena is widely worshiped in many places. There was one city in particular that idolized her in which she adored. The city, Athens, was named after her. Athena had to prove to the inhabitants that she was a better fit to run the city than Poseidon, and that led to a little competition. Poseidon created the Acropolis: a large hill with a nice, pristine stream. Atop this gift Athena gave her own: an olive tree; the first of its kind ("Athena," Cengage Learning). She was deemed worthy, and in her honor Athenians constructed the Parthenon ("Athena," Cengage Learning) where a great gold and ivory statue ("Athena," Britannica) of the goddess stands.
Trademarks
Athena is commonly depicted with an owl (usually paired with the notion of wisdom), a lance, and a shield. She is typically clad in a breastplate and helm. In this depiction she is seen holding the magic bridle required to ride the winged horse Pegasus. She is known for bestowing this bridle upon Bellerophon ("Athena," Cengage Learning).
The Father
The father of Athena is none other than the infamous Zeus. Although her set of parents vary story-to-story (Bell,) it is more commonly stated that Zeus is her father. She emerged from his forehead, fully grown and fully armed. She was favored by Zeus which caused some envy to brew among other gods and goddesses ("Athena," Cengage Learning)
The Mother
The mother of Athena is somewhat shrouded in mystery. In some cases she was involved, but in others she was not. Regardless, Metis is often referred to as Athena's mother. Metis is of the Titan descent but is said in other sources to be a nymph or a goddess. She became his first wife and eventually became pregnant with Athena ("The Greek Goddess Athena," BM).
The Birth of Athena
Zeus came to realize that his and Metis's child would eventually overthrow his position if it was born male, so he swallowed Metis in hopes that this would solve the issue. To Zeus's demise, the child was still alive and the only way to remove it was by an ax to the head. It was Hephaestus who performed this action. Thus, Athena was born ("The Greek Goddess Athena," BM/ "Athena," Cengage Learning).
Love Life?
Athena is a virgin goddess, but in some stories, she is said to have raised children, but none state that she gave birth to said children (Bell,).
Part-time Inventor
Being Goddess of Crafting among two other professions, Athena invented many things including the trumpet, the flute, the bridle, the chariot, and the numerical system (Bell,).
Helping others
Athena was a great helper for many. From assisting Perseus as he slayed the monster Medusa to helping Hercules (or Heracles, depending on the story) as he went through his twelve trials ("Athena," Britannica/ "Athena," Cengage Learning).
Contribution to the Illiad
Athena partook in the "beauty contest" that started the war. She partially favored the Greeks out of anger over not being selected by Paris ("The Greek Goddess Athena," BM) When the war began, she took the side of the people she favored: hers. She fought alongside the Greeks. However, the Trojans had high respects for her as well. The was a predominant statue of the goddess stating tall and mighty in Troy; it was used as a reminder of safety to the inhabitants. Athena was the one who inspired the idea of the Trojan Horse as well ("Athena," Cengage Learning). Athena physically fought in the Trojan War. "Her aid was synonymous with military prowess." ("Athena," Britannica)
Janie Nugent
HELA 9
Hour 5
11/9/14