Who was Athena? The goddess Athena features in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology relating to the Odyssey, the Iliad, Bellerophon, Perseus and Medusa, Argus, Cadmus and the Dragon's Teeth. Athena was also the goddess of spinning and weaving; and she herself could weave the most beautiful cloths of many colors. 
Perseus and Athena Athena and Athens Athens was her chosen seat and her own city. Athens was awarded to her during the reign of Cecrops, the first king of Athens, as the prize of a contest with Poseidon, who also aspired to it. The goddess Athena was involved in a contest with Poseidon, the god of the sea. Athena planted an olive tree in Athens which was seen as a highly prized gift. Her paramount importance to the Athenians is seen in her wonderful temple, the Parthenon, which still crowns the Acropolis in the modern city of Athens. Athena (Roman Counterpart was Minerva) When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC, the Romans assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses, such as Athena, were therefore adopted by the Romans but were given Latin names. The Roman counterpart of Athena was Minerva. Facts about Athena The following facts and profile provides a fast overview of Athena: Who was Athena? The goddess Athena features in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology relating to the Odyssey, the Iliad, Bellerophon, Perseus and Medusa, Argus, Cadmus and the Dragon's Teeth. Athena was also the goddess of spinning and weaving; and she herself could weave the most beautiful cloths of many colors. Athena Profile & Fact File Personality: Brave, practical, fearless Appearance: Tall, slim wore armor and carried weapons Role & Function: The function of Athena is described as being the goddess of wisdom, defense, strategic warfare and handicrafts Status: A Major goddess and one of the Twelve Olympians Symbols: Owl and the olive tree Alternative Names: Pallas Athena and Athene Gender: Female Roman Counterpart: The Roman name for this goddess was Minerva Name of Husband: Unmarried, no children Name of Father: Zeus Name of Mother: Metis The Family of Athena According to Greek legends and myths the family of Athena were somewhat contradictory. Her parents are described as any of the following: - Zeus alone was most commonly named as her parent however alternative myths give Zeus and Metis as her father and mother
Athena and Mount Olympus In Greek Mythology the principle Greek gods, that included Athena, were referred to as the Twelve Olympians and lived on the summit of Mount Olympus which was protected by a special layer of clouds. The gods and goddesses who lived on Mount Olympus attended sumptuous banquets in the council-chamber of the gods and feasted on ambrosia (the food of the gods) and nectar (the drink of the gods). The names of the twelve Olympian gods were Zeus, Hera, Hestia or Dionysus, Apollo, Ares, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Demeter, Artemis, Hephaestus and Hermes. The Greek Gods Family Tree and Genealogy The genealogy of these ancient deities can be established via the Greek gods family tree which also provides an overview of the relationship of Athena to the other Greek gods and deities. The Greek gods family tree and genealogy provides an overview of her relationship to the other Greek gods and deities. 
The Symbols of Athena - the Significance of the Owl Athena honored the owl by making him her favourite among feathered creatures, impressed by its great eyes and solemn appearance. Athena's bird was a Little Owl, (Athene noctua) which protected and inhabited the Acropolis of Athens in great numbers. As the symbol of the goddess, the Owl was seen as a protector and symbols of the owl accompanied Greek armies to war and providing determination and inspiration. If an Owl flew over Greek Soldiers before a battle it was seen as a sign of victory. |