What comes to mind when you hear the name Athena? Maybe Athens, Greece, maybe the fearless Greek goddess, or maybe you have not even heard that name. During the time that Homer wrote the “Iliad” in 750 B.C., the people worshipped the gods and goddesses of Greek Mythology, and believed that they were responsible for all the things that happened. She was one of many Greek gods and goddesses, and was known as the Greek goddess of wisdom, law and justice, and war and military victory. Athena was a celebrated Goddess in Greek Mythology, and a figure that is still known today.
Athena was the one of many daughters of Zeus. Zeus had an affair with Metis, a nymph. After a prophecy about a child, Zeus swallowed Metis, because he was afraid she would give birth to a child more powerful than him. Athena was born from Zeus after a headache he had. She sprung from his forehead fully grown and in armour. Athena is the sister of all of Zeus’s children,
…show more content…
She also was praised for her compassion and generosity. Athena was the patron of the city Athens, and arts and crafts, but this was not always the case. Athena became the patron, because the city’s first royal leader realized that the city needed and patron god or goddess. Athena and Poseidon both wanted to be the patron deity. There was a contest between Poseidon and Athena. In this contest whoever presented the best gift to the city won the position. Poseidon used his trident to create them a river. At first the citizens were very excited by this gift, but when they discovered the gift was all saltwater, they were less enthused. How were they supposed to benefit from saltwater? Athena’s gift was more well received, because she presented an olive tree. The olive tree provided the people with sustenance, fuel, and wood for shelter. Needless to say, Athena won the deity. The people rejoiced with Athena’s gift and readily welcomed her as the patron goddess of their fine