GREEK MYTHOLOGY
has always piqued my interest: the thought of entities larger than life with mystical powers and tales of grandeur. Greek mythology served two main functions: 1) to answer the difficult questions posed, and 2) to
justify an existing social system, or traditional rites and customs. These stories became an important part of
daily life and gave meaning to the people throughout the world that heard them. At the center of Greek mythology is Mount Olympus. Here, resided twelve of the main Olympians, each one playing their own part.
FOR THIS ARTICLE, WE
ARE GOING TO LOOK AT ATHENA.
Greek goddess known for her prudence and deep thinking, and Zeus, a Greek god known for being wise, discerning, and a just ruler. I’m not so sure on the wise part, as Zeus thought he was doing himself a favor by consuming his first wife Metis. UnbeknownsttoZeus, Metiswas with child. Athena was born through the forehead of Zeus, in full battle armor, as an adult. Zeus would go on to have many other love interests, and many more children. What is interesting about Athena, aside from springing from her father’s forehead as an adult in full armor, is the fact that there are virtually no Greek mythic tales depicting her in an immoral light. For those who are familiar with Greek mythology, you know what I am saying here. Athena had traits of both male and female personas and was chaste. Said to be the provider of all basic knowledge necessary to establish a civilization, she is considered the Greek goddess of wisdom. I believe this stems from being born through her dad’s forehead.
ATHENA
was believed to be the daughter of Metis, a
Athena would observe laborers an them with insights on how to bes co
rers and pr best complete th
providide their
tasks and improve their efficiency. Because of her courage, strength, law, and skill she is also known as the Greek goddess of war. Many, if not all, Greek heroes asked Athena for help and or advice. Some examples of these are within the stories of Odysseus during his ten-year
journey back
to Ithaca and assisting Hercules with his tasks, aiding PerseustodefeatMedusa, Hesperides to defeat the Gorgon, and she even played an active role in the Trojan War, to name a few. She herself battled for role as Patron of Athens over Poseidon. Her thoughtfulness and skill guided her to plant an olive tree while Poseidon struck his trident into a rock and created a stream of sea water that let to a well. The king of Athens saw that the stream and well created by Poseidon contained salt water and would be of no benefit to Athens. However, the olive tree that was planted by Athena provided fruit, oil, and wood. Thus, making Athena the Patron of Athens. Symbols used that are associated with Athena are the owl
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