Athena

The Goddess of Wisdom, Craftsmanship, and War

Introduction

• She was one of the three virgin goddesses because she was able to remain independent and unaffected by the spells of Aphrodite.

• The three virgin goddesses were Athena, Artemis, and Hestia

Athena

Hestia

Artemis

Athena’s Birth• When Zeus learned that his

wife, Metis, was pregnant, he feared that she would give birth to a son more powerful than him. To prevent this, he swallowed Metis. However, it caused him great pain, and he ordered his blacksmith- Hephaestus- to cut open his head and retrieve his wife. When Hephaestus opened Zeus’ head, he found a fully woman already dressed in armor ready for battle. This was the birth of Athena.

• Soon Athena became the Zeus’ favorite child

Athena in War• She was known for fighting

efficiently but more for her role of being a mediator and planner. She worked to prevent war but when it did occur she helped warriors win. She is often portrayed holding a spear and shield with an image of Medusa or Aegis

• Athena often offered protection and advice to her warriors. Once, Athena changed into various forms of women, men and children to guide the lost Odysseus, where he was able to return home. Nike, the goddess who portrayed winged victory often accompanied Athena during her battles.

The angel-like woman sitting on Athena’s hand is Nike

Athena’s Name•  Athena is often called Pallas

Athena because in childhood, Athena had a friend named  Pallas. The two girls were inseparable and often went on many adventures together. Once, while practicing there battle skills, Athena accidentally wounded Pallas. The wound was fatal and Pallas died. To honor and remember her name, Athena took her name from her childhood friend.

Athena’s Wisdom• This Greek goddess frequently

settled disputes between other gods or mortals. She was known for her logic and intelligence. She never based her decision on self interest. Once when a man, Teiresias, walked in on Athena when she was taking a bath (an act that meant death as punishment) Athena set forth another consequence. Instead of death, Athena made him blind giving him inner sight as a result. 

Athena’s owl symbolizes her birth and wisdom

<- Teriresian

Athena’s Help in Trojan WarAthena’s Help in Trojan War• During the Trojan war, Athena put herself in

between the two war sides. She forced both sides to swear oaths to keep peace. Unfortunately a Trojan warrior named Pandaros shot an arrow-breaking the oath- and starting the war. To show her displeasure, Athena fought for the other side- Spartans.

• In order for the Greeks to conquer Troy, they needed to capture the city. Odysseus came up with a plan. With Athena’s help, the Greeks built a huge wooden horse out of their ships. Inside the horse, hid Greek warriors who waited for the Trojans. When they arrived Sinon (a Greek soldier) tricked them in thinking the Greeks had abandoned him and left a horse as an offering to Athena. He advised them to take the horse to their city, offer it to Athena, and win her over to their side. The Trojans agreed and took the sculpture to their city. At night, when the Trojans fell asleep, the Greek warriors came out of the wooden horse, opened the city gates to let the rest of their army inside, and attacked the people of the city.

Athena and Odysseus• Another importance of Athena was

that she protected Odysseus when Ajax came to kill him.

• Ajax, angered by the fact that Odysseus had won over the armor of Achilles, wanted revenge. He decided to go and murder Odysseus in his tent. Ajax could not face going home to see his father (Old Telamon) to tell him he had not received the armor of such a great hero. Athena protected Odysseus by putting a spell of madness on Ajax, making him think that some sheep nearby was Odysseus. When he slaughtered the animals, the spell broke off. Out of embarrassment of what he had done, he (Ajax) committed suicide.

• She was an expert artisan. She is portrayed as the patron of weavers, potters, goldsmiths, sculptors, musicians, and  horsemen. She invented the yoke and the bridle, the sailing ship, the flute, and the trumpet. 

Athena’s CraftsmanshipAthena’s Craftsmanship

Athena Today

• Athens, Greece is named in Athena’s honor for appreciation of her gift-the olive tree. She is the “protector of the cities.”

• She remains a symbol of

civilization, wisdom, and logic.

Bibliography

• http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/athena.html

• http://www.goddess-athena.org/Encyclopedia/Athena/

• http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek_goddess_athena.htm