Athena

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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The Greek goddess Athena was considered the child of Zeus alone for Zeus had swallowed her mother, Metis, and gave birth to Athena himself through his head and fully grown. She a goddess of civilization and war, reason and violence.

In the Illiad Homer describes how Athena removed a robe which she had made with her own hands and "armed herself for grievous war." This dual nature is probably what made her to attractive to the city of Athens when it adopted her as their patron because she served equally well both in war and peace, encouraging both martial virtues and philosophy.

Of Pallas Athena, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is she, and with Ares she loves the deeds of war, the sack of cities and the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as they go to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good fortune and happiness! Homeric Hymn 11 to Athena

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