Athena— Greek God"Goddess of Wisdom"

The Extraordinary Birth

Athena's birth is among the most dramatic in Greek mythology. Zeus had swallowed the Titaness Metis when a prophecy warned that her children would be greater than their father. But Metis was already pregnant, and inside Zeus she crafted armor and weapons for her daughter. When Zeus developed an unbearable headache, Hephaestus split his skull with an axe—and out sprang Athena, fully grown and armed, letting out a mighty war cry that shook the heavens.

The Virgin Warrior

Unlike Ares, who represents the brutal chaos of battle, Athena embodies strategic warfare, discipline, and heroic endeavor. She is a goddess of victory achieved through wisdom rather than mere violence. She remained perpetually virgin (parthenos), and her great temple in Athens, the Parthenon, was named for this aspect of her nature.

Patroness of Athens

The city of Athens is named for Athena after she won a competition against Poseidon for its patronage. While Poseidon offered a spring of salt water (or a horse), Athena planted the first olive tree—a source of food, oil, and wood. The citizens chose her gift, and she became their protector. The olive tree remained sacred to her, and the Panathenaic festival celebrated her each year with games, sacrifices, and the presentation of a new robe (peplos) for her cult statue.

Champion of Heroes

Athena took special interest in mortal heroes, often appearing to guide and assist them. She helped Perseus slay Medusa, giving him her polished shield to use as a mirror. She guided Odysseus throughout his wanderings, valuing his cunning mind. She aided Heracles in his labors, helped Bellerophon tame Pegasus, and stood by the Greeks during the Trojan War, where she was the implacable enemy of Troy.

Athena and Arachne

The myth of Arachne reveals Athena's pride in her skills. When the mortal weaver Arachne boasted she could weave better than Athena and then proved it by creating a tapestry mocking the gods, Athena destroyed her work in rage. When Arachne tried to hang herself in despair, Athena transformed her into the first spider, condemned to weave forever.

The Aegis

Athena carries the aegis, a divine shield or breastplate bearing the head of the Gorgon Medusa, given to her by Perseus after he slew the monster. The sight of the aegis struck terror into enemies. She is often depicted with her owl, symbol of wisdom, and wearing a helmet and carrying a spear—ready for battle even as she counsels peace.