Greek Mythology

The Classical Gods of Ancient Greece

ATHENA

Greek War Goddess

Also known as Athene, Pallas-Athena

Picture of the Greek War Goddess Athena from our Greek mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Famed Goddess of War, Wisdom, Technical Skill and Artistry

The daughter of Zeus and Metis, she almost didn’t get born at all after Gaia predicted that doom, woe and Olympian take-over bids would be the result. Zeus, remembering how he’d overthrown his own father, grew nervous at the thought of having a daughter with attitude.

With the birth rapidly approaching, he finally hit upon a plan and swallowed Metis just before the crucial moment. But it wasn’t long before strange tapping and banging noises began to emanate from inside him. What on earth was she doing in there? He was getting a headache.

A little while of this and the pain began unbearable. Hephaestus, hearing the cries of agony, came running in and bashed his dad over the head with an Olympic wrench.

And from the split in Zeus’s skull sprang forth his daughter Athena. She was fully grown, fully dressed and fully armed with newly forged weapons and helmet. That’s what all the noise was about.

Although wise and thoughtful, Athena is no shy maiden. Her best friend is Nike, the Goddess of Victory, and she carries the Aegis, a flashy-looking device for zapping enemies.

She is, of course, highly skilled in arts, crafts and matters of intelligence. Her symbol is the owl, and in matters of wisdom she is always right. After all, who’s going to argue with a War Goddess?

See also Pallas.

Athena Facts and Figures

Name: Athena
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Athene, Pallas-Athena

Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: War
Area of expertise: War

Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 20208

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Article last revised on September 05, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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