Athena

Athena is the goddess of Wisdom, Warfare and Crafts. She is the patron goddess of Athens. Her symbols are the Owl, Olive tree, Armour, Helmet and the spear. Athena’s mother was Metis a Titan. She was Titan of Wisdom.

A prophecy said that the child of Metis would have more wisdom than the father, so Zeus was forced to eat her. However Zeus got a headache. He had to get Hephaestus to chop open his head. When his head was cracked open Athena came out in battle armour with weapons shouting a war cry.

Athena is often said to be Zeus’ favourite child as well as Heracles.

Athena and Athens

Athena competed against Poseidon to be the patron of Athens. They decided that whoever gave Athens the best gift would be the patron of Athens. Athena gave them an olive tree. Poseidon gave them a horse for war. Athena’s gift was preferred as they didn’t want to go into war and the Olive tree made oil, wood and food. Athens was named in honour of Athena.

Athena helped many heroes in their adventures such as Perseus, Odysseus and Heracles.