Athena In The Odyssey

Athena is one of Greek mythology’s most prominent names, being among the most powerful of the twelve Olympian gods (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.); she was also the goddess of wisdom, courage, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, skill, and the arts and crafts (“Facts and Information…”). Having been born by emerging fully grown from her father Zeus’ head (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.), she was a favorite of his and undoubtedly destined for greatness. As a matter of fact, Athena had a distinguished position of power in one of the most legendary wars in Greek mythology: the Trojan War (“Athena”. Encyclopedia Britannica...). Throughout her entire existence, she plays the role of a strongly influential heroine who impacts

She helped him come up with the revolutionary idea of building a horse to get inside the walls of Troy; it was told to be “an offering to Athena and that they should take the horse into their city to get Athena’s protection” (“Trojan War.”). Furthermore, she had a particular liking for Odysseus and manipulates his fate often (Erin), aiding him on his journey home from the war (Budzik) and protecting him from death and injuries (Erin). Most of the things she did in the Trojan War was for a good purpose, thus illustrating how she really was a heroine herself. Previously, the Greeks were struggling with the battle, but after her ingenious strategies, they emerged victorious. Even though Athena is the Greek goddess of war, her difference in comparison to Ares “derived in part from the fact that she represented the intellectual and civilized side of war and the virtues of justice and skill, whereas Ares represented mere blood lust” (“Athena”. Encyclopedia Britannica...). She also only took part in wars that were a retaliation against an outside enemy (“Athena.” Greek Mythology.). Under those circumstances, Athena is inevitably a just warrior who clearly illustrates the veracity of

She was the patron of architects and sculptors and was the inventor of numbers and mathematics (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.); these creations introduced new, large-scale concepts to civilizations, thus revolutionizing, changing, and advancing their technologies to give people a better, easier life. Furthermore, she gave the idea of rakes, plows, and yokes to farmers, as well as educated them on how to use oxen to grow their crops (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.); she revolutionized agriculture and impacted the quality of life for people by making food cultivation easier. She even dabbled in creating forms of art, such as spinning, weaving, and playing music (she introduced the first musical instrument to the Greeks: the flute) (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.). The idea of trial by jury also stemmed from Athena, who, being the goddess of civilization, promoted virtuous governments and advised kings when they had split decisions (“Athena.” Myths Encyclopedia.). Clearly, Athena is a well-rounded character who not only cares for warfare but also for the lives of mundane mortals, improving the old and creating the new. Unlike her seemingly darker, militarized side, she only acts for the good of everyone. With her inventions, Athena has changed the course of humanity all for the better and has proven that she is truly a good-hearted