| Athena | |
| Goddess of Wisdom | |
|
|
Athena is a warrior
goddess and She invented the
horse-bit, which, for the first time, tamed horses, allowing men to use
them. |
|
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and
skill. She was the favorite child of Zeus. She had sprung fully grown out of
her father's head. Her mother was Metis, goddess of wisdom and Zeus' first
wife. In fear that Metis would bear a son mightier than himself. Zeus
swallowed her and she began to make a robe and helmet for her daughter. The
hammering of the helmet caused Zeus great pain in the form of headaches and
he cried out in agony. Skilled Hephaestus ran to his father and split his
skull open and from it emerged Athena, fully grown and wearing her mother's
robe and helmet. She is the virgin mother of Erichthnonius.
Athena and her uncle Poseidon were both very fond of a certain city in Greece. Both of them claimed the city and it was decided that the one that could give the finest gift should have it. Leading a procession of citizens, the two gods mounted the Acropolis. Poseidon struck the side of the cliff with his trident and a spring welled up. The people marveled, but the water was as salty as Poseidon's sea and it was not very useful. Athena's gift was an olive tree, which was better because it gave the people food, oil and wood. Athena named her city Athens. Athena's companion was the goddess of victory, Nike, and her usual attribute is the owl. Athena possessed the Aegis. |
|