Athena Back in time when Greece was making its mark in history as one of the great civilization of the Ancient World, there was a great deal of emphasis on the Gods and Goddesses. To the Greeks the world was governed by the Gods and they were the reason many things happened in the world, mostly things that where unexplainable. The goddess Athena was one of the many gods or goddesses that played a large role in Greek mythology. Even though Athena was the patron saint of Athens she supported other Greeks outside of Athens, such as, Achilles, Orestes, and especially Odysseus ("Athena"-1). Athena is know to be the goddess of war, guardian of cities, patroness of arts and crafts, and promoter of wisdom ("Images of Women."-1). Athena's name actually came from the Cretan and Mycenean name Athene which predates the Greeks by about 1,500 years (Daly-20). The ending "-ene," was set aside for royalty and goddesses, like Helene (Harris-4). She was also called by some Greeks as Pallas Athena. Not many people know where the name Pallas came from. Some legends say she obtained it from the giant Pallas that she killed in the war of the gods and giants (Grant-Hazel 83). Another legend says that Athena accidentally killed her childhood playmate Pallas. By taking Pallas" name in front of her own, Athena shows the grief that she endured for the loss of her friend (Daly-20). Athena had such an impact on the Greeks that the Romans adopted her and called her Minerva ("Minerva"-1). The origins of Athena's name is not the only discrepancy that historians have had. The origin of where Athena came form is also a discrepancy. Zeus feared that he would be overcome by a son greater than he born from the intelligent Metis. To prevent this Zeus ate Metis. There for, Athena, in the most common legend, was born fully grown out of Zeus's head after Hephaestus split it open with an ax. Another legend, this one form Crete, says Athena was hidden in a cloud.
Pallas Athena is a strong mythical character. ... [Evans 31] Athena had a rather strange birth. ... [Evans 32] Athena was the goddess of war. ... [Aliki 30] Many objects represent Athena. ... Lastly, a modern allusion to Athena is the recently constructed space probe named Athena. ...
Athena Athena has remained one of the most commonly alluded to goddesses from mythology and she represents the civilized and intellectual side of war and adversity. ... The Romans knew Athena as Minerva. ... Athena was the war goddess of the Ancient Greeks. ... Athena was very different from the war god Ares. ... Athena was also known to show mercy. ...
Homer portrays Athena as a motherly figure. ... Athena is essentially doing the same thing. ... While he was at sea Athena protected Odysseus. ... However, Athena steps in once again to save the day: "Athena spoiled their shots" (XXII 282). ... It is important to note that Athena never physically aided Odysseus. ...
The Goddess Athena The Goddess Athena is the main female Character in the Odyssey. ... Goddess Athena's role in this epic is to help Odysseus through his journey home and make sure that he survives. ... Athena plays a major role in making sure that Odysseus comes home safely to his home land of Ithaca. Daughter of Zeus Athena helps Odysseus many times during the story. ... Athena is very important because she helps getting Odysseus home alive to be back with his family....
THE GODDESS ATHENA THE BIRTH OF ATHENA Athena was born from a mortal woman named Metis, (meaning wisdom) and fathered by Zeus, king of the gods. ... g cry Athena sprung out of Zeus's head. ... Athena is the daughter of Zeus. ... Arachne was a student of Athena. ... This enraged Athena. ...
Athenas and Ares Throughout the ancient world, many civilizations established secret societies known only to a select few. ... Ares and Athena are the ancient Greek gods of war. Athena is the goddess of warfare to protect the state and is involved in the strategic aspect of it. ... He symbolizes the fearless warrior while Athena symbolizes the commanding general. ... Both groups would pay homage to Athena and Ares, but strategists would pay a little more to Athena while the soldiers would pay a little more to Ares. ...
The Parthenon was built as an offering of thanks to Athena for the salvation of Athens and Greece in the Persian wars. ... In the eastern cella is the giant 40 foot statue of Athena Parthenos. ... Athena is wearing a peplos of gold and her flesh is of ivory and her core is made of wood. In her right hand she is holding Athenas of Nike, which stands 6' tall. ... On the east pediment is the story of the birth of Athena. ...
