Greek Gods

Athena is mentioned in Greek mythology as being the goddess of crafts and domestic arts, industry, justice, skill, and also the goddess of war. She was the patron goddess of Athens and one of her symbols is that of an owl. She was also regarded as a goddess of wisdom and was shaped in the form of a bird. Her Roman name was Minerva.

Athena was the daughter of Zeus, the god of all living things and god of thunder and lightening, and Metis, the goddess of wisdom. Metis was the first wife of Zeus. Zeus was afraid that he would produce a son which would be stronger than he was so when Metis became pregnant with a child, Zeus swallowed her. While still in Zeus’ body, Metis began making a robe and helmet for her daughter Athena. When she hammered on the helmet, it caused great pain for Zeus,. He suffered from very painful headaches and would cry out in agony. His son Hephaestus could not stand his father being in pain so he split Zeus’ head open and from it came Athena, fully grown and wearing her mother’s robe and helmet.

As it happens, Athena and her uncle Poseidon both liked a certain city in Greece and both of them claimed it. It was decided that the one who offered the city the best gift would become the owner of the city. Both of the gods mounted the Acropolis and Poseidon struck the side of the cliff with his trident and from it sprang a well. The people marveled from it but the water was salty so it was very little use to them. Athena then gave them an olive tree. The townspeople were thrilled with her gift. The tree could give them food, oil, and wood. Athena was given the reward of the city and she named it Athens.

Nike was the companion to Athena and Nike was the goddess of victory. Athena also sponsored Perseus in his quest to slay Medusa because she wanted the Gorgon’s head to decorate her shield. Perseus carried out Athena’s wish and received Medusa’s head for her shield. The story tells us about Medusa and it seems that anyone who looked into her eyes or looked her in the face would turn to stone.

Athena was a warrior and was often seen in paintings with a spear and a shield with Medusa’s head on it. She was also one of the three virgin goddesses and the other two were Hestia and Artemis. There are many myths which included Athena. Athena is often seen with the aegis, owl, and olive tree as her symbols.