Achilles is helped to kill Hector, and Odysseus too was often given the benefit of Athena's wisdom, for example the idea to dress as a beggar on his return to Ithaca, and he is also protected from the arrows of his rivals when he clears the palace of the interlopers. Perseus was another favourite and was given a shield to protect himself in his quest to kill Medusa. In the Greek myths, she is the protector of Hercules and Athena often aids him in his twelve labours, for example, by helping him hold the world as Atlas searches for the sacred apples of the Hesperides. Mary Harrsch (Photographed at the Nashville Parthenon, Tennessee) (CC BY-NC-SA) In her role as protector, she was also revered in many other major cities, notably as patron of Sparta, as the founder of Thebes in Boeotia, and at Corinth where she appeared on the city's coins. Prizes for the games were amphorae painted with a figure of Athena and contained prime olive oil. The festival included a magnificent procession through the city, the presentation to Athena of a specially woven peplos (depicting the Gigantomachy), and athletic games. Her adopted son Erichthonios, one of the first kings of Athens, is traditionally credited with inaugurating the Panathenaic festival, held every four years to honour the goddess. The 5th century BCE temple of the Parthenon, which continues to this day to dominate the acropolis of the city, was built in her honour. She is closely associated with Athens, the city named in her honour after the people of Attica chose her as their patron following her gift of the olive tree, symbol of peace and plenty. She is said to have invented the aulos but on seeing her reflection and her puffed cheeks when playing these pipes, she threw them away, to be picked up by the satyr Marsyas. It is fascinating that Greeks would choose as the goddess of war someone who is known for her wisdom, kindness, creativity and diplomacy.Athena is also the patron goddess of household crafts, giving mortals the gifts of cooking and sewing.
Olive branch is known as a symbol of peace that is used by various cultures to communicate harmony and reconciliation. She had proven herself to be wise and the city was named after her. People recognized that the tree would not only provide food and olive oil, but shade and wood to turn into tools. It immediately sprang into an olive tree. When it was Athena's turn, she quietly knelt down and planted something into the ground. However, Poseidon being the god of seas, the water turned out to be salty and the people weren't impressed. Water source is always very important for any city to survive. A spring of water emerged and the crowd was ecstatic. Poseidon raised his mighty trident high into the air and brought it hard on the ground. On the fateful day, Athena and Poseidon descended from Olympus to present their gifts. It was decided that both gods would present King Cecrops and his citizens with a gift and it would then be up to them to decide who their patron god was. Two gods were the main contenders, Poseidon and Athena. When the city became an important trade center, the gods of Olympus decided to rename the city to one of their own just like other cities in the country. A half-man, half-snake creature, he called the city Cecropia.
She has a soft spot for Odysseus and helps him in several tough situations.Īs per legend, the city of Athens was created by Cecrops. In Homer's Odyssey, Athena appears often in the visions of the hero, Odysseus, to act as a guide and point him in the right direction.
She is known for making rational decisions when other Greek gods are known for their temperamental judgement. She calculates her every move before taking any decision and is revered for her wisdom and intelligence. It is no wonder that Greek mythology chooses a woman to represent such important and paradoxical subjects.Īthena is considered to be the goddess of war and strategy, but also paradoxically, of peace and wisdom. Not only it is a reflection of past civilizations, but it also provides insights into cultures, human alliances, historical events, and how humans formed relationships. Greek Mythology has always fascinated me.
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