Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom and Battle The Greek Gods were a fundamental part of Greek society, and still have influence today. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle, was a most interesting goddess. She represented many other things as well, and was well respected. There are many interesting myths, symbols, and traits that Athena is associated with. Athena was involved in many myths, but perhaps her two most famous myths were the naming of Athens and the weaving contest against Arachne. In the myth of the naming of Athens, both Athena and Poseidon both wanted to be the patron for the area of Attica in Greece. To decide who would be named patron, a contest was held: each god would create something, and a panel of judges would pick a winner.