Athena

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill. She was Zeus’s favorite child. Her mother was Metis, the goddess of wisdom. Athena was born out of Zeus’s forehead fully grown. She is known for her wisdom, reason, and purity. She was the virgin goddess who never married or had any children. (Tuccinardi) “She is above all, the Goddess of the City, the protectress of civilized life.” (The Encyclopedia of the Goddess Athena) The Parthenon in Athens, Greece is known as Athena’s sacred temple on the acropolis. It is known as the temple of virgins and is considered by some to be the most perfect building ever built. (Lalonde)

Athena and her uncle, Poseidon, both wanted a certain city in Greece, so they decided that whoever gave the best gift would receive the city. Poseidon made a well for the people, but its water was salty and they did not have much use for it. Athena gave the people an olive tree. From this tree, the people received food, oil, and wood. She won the city and named it Athens. Another version states that Poseidon gave the people and wonderful horse, but it was not tamed. Athena invented the horse-bit which allowed men to use the horse for the first time. (The Encyclopedia of the Goddess Athena)

Although Athena is known as the Goddess of War, she always tried to prevent it and keep peace. Once a war was started, however, she fought to the end, never loosing a battle. She often gave advice and guidance to help many heroes’ win their battles. She would disguise herself as men, women, and children to help trick the enemy. She was known for her wisdom. It was Athena who came up with the idea of the Trojan Horse.

Athena was also known for her compassion. Teiresias accidentally walked in on Athena bathing, which was punishable by death. She had compassion on him, so she blinded him, but gave him the gift of inner sight, the gift of prophesies. Teiresias was revered by ancient Greeks for all times. “More than any other of the Greek Goddesses, Athena remains a symbol of civilization, useful knowledge, noble reasoning, logic and wisdom. The Goddess Athena reminds us that we can successfully use our intellect and creativity in the pursuit of any goal we choose.” (http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek_goddess_athena.htm)

Work Cited:

Lalonde, Stephen D. “Athena the Greek Goddess of Wisdom” 21 Feb 2005 http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/project/teacher/goddess/

Tuccinardi, Ryan. “Athena” 21 Feb 2005 http://www.pantheon.org/articles

The Encyclopedia of the Goddess Athena. “The Goddess Athena” 21 Feb 2005 http://www.goddess-athena.org/Encyclopedia/Athena/

“Athena, Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Craftsmanship.” 21 Feb 2005 http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek_goddess_athena.htm