Ellie Reece
Miss Windish
English II
27 November 2016
Athena, Who Dat? “A day can press down all human things, and a day can raise them up. But the gods embrace men of sense and abhor the evil” (Athena). This quotation, from the goddess Athena, explains the power and influence the gods had on human life. Athena possesses blood relations to Zeus, great defensive abilities, and a dominating desire to help others. The story of Athena’s birth is rather unique. It is commonly told as so, “When the time came for Athena to be born, the smith god, Hephaistos, opened Zeus' head with an axe, and Athena stepped out, [fully grown and clothed in armor]” (Athena, goddess of wisdom). Athena’s mother is believed to be Metis, goddess of crafty thought and wisdom. But, this common theory comes off of another story. Where Zeus, god of the sky, was taking part in a relationship with Metis, when a prophecy came to say, “[Metis] will give birth to a child more powerful
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Athena is most commonly known as the goddess of wisdom and war. However, she is also known by many more titles. Athena is also the goddess of courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, reason, intelligence, arts and literature. She is the patron goddess of reason, intelligence, and heroic endeavour. Athena is known as being, “Fierce and brave in battle, however, she only took part in wars that defended [her] state and home from outside enemies” (Athena). Athena was very smart, and therefore she is symbolized by an owl. This makes sense because owls are often portrayed as smart animals and teachers of the world. Athena is credited with inventing the bridle, the trumpet, the flute, the pot, the rake, the plow, the yoke, the ship, and the chariot. So to all those band kids out there, you know who to thank. Athena’s holy tree is the olive tree, which symbolizes