Created by Ashley Erickson Mythology – Funk 7B Athena Created by Ashley Erickson Mythology – Funk 7B

Greek name Athena

Roman name Minerva

Heritage Mother: Metis Father: Zeus There are both referred to as Titans; Zeus being the ruler Olympians and Metis being the Titaness of wisdom & deep thought.

Divine Powers Goddess of war Patroness of spinning & weaving A pure, virgin Goddess Guardian of the welfare of the kings Her aegis, also known as breastplate, had qualities like fear, strife, defense, & assault. She also carried a spear and a helmet that symbolized her wisdom.

Symbols Owl Olive Tree Snakes Armor Spears

Explanation of Symbols Owl: an owl usually accompanies Athena in Greek myths. It’s name is referred to as “Athene Noctura”. Olive Tree: Poseidon had once challenged Athena in a battle, Athena won and gained the city of Athens under her rule. An olive tree was planted after her victory and since there has been many thriving in Athens for years to come.

Explanations etc. Snake: Symbol of evil in the religion of Christianity, but seen as a symbol of wisdom in Greek mythology. There are symbols of snakes found on her shield. Armor: Athena being the Goddess of war, armor is looked at as safety and protection from the enemy

What is Athena responsible for? Goddess of Wisdom Courage Inspiration Strength (Physical & Internal)

The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Athena

She is known as the favorite daughter of Zeus. #1 She is known as the favorite daughter of Zeus.

#2 She was not only the protector for the city of Athens, but other surrounding cities too, including Sparta.

#3 Athena represents an independent woman, one who believes in fighting with intuition rather than with violence.

#4 She was and still continues to be the patron Goddess of Athens in Greece.

#5 She never consorted with a lover nor did she marry or have children; thus being referred to as the virgin Goddess.

#6 It is said that Athena sprang forth from Zeus’ brain full grown and in clad armor.

#7 She assisted Perseus by giving him a mirror-like shield to help him on his quests.

#8 With her spinning & weaving gift, she created an immoral dress for the Queen of the Gods, Hera.

Athena invented the flute but never played it. #9 Athena invented the flute but never played it.

#10 Athena is a shift-shaper. In the Odyssey, she transforms herself into a bird and also takes on the form of Mentor, a friend of Odysseus', to give him some special advice without revealing herself.

Last but no least...a story. Athena & Arachne Athena believed that she was the best weaver in the world. There was another weaver, Arachne who believed that she was a better weaver than Athena, and thought that if they were in a contest together, she would win. Athena heard about that and was furious that someone thought they were better than her, the Goddess of weaving. Athena disguised herself and went to Arachne's house. Arachne agreed to be in a weaving contest with this stranger, and when they were finished, Athena's design showed all twelve Gods and Goddesses, but Arachne's design showed not only the twelve Gods and Goddesses, but also each one of their adventures. It was obvious that Arachne had the better blanket, so it was proved Arachne was a better weaver than Athena. Athena was very mad after this, so she turned Arachne into a spider. This story explains why the spiders have the ability to make spider webs. Arachne was turned into a spider, however, she still could weave and make webs.