Download Athena

Created by Ashley Erickson
Mythology – Funk 7B
Athena
Minerva
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.
 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.
 Owl
 Olive Tree
 Snakes
 Armor
 Spears
 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.
 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
Goddess of
 Wisdom
 Courage
 Inspiration
 Strength (Physical & Internal)
She is known as the favorite daughter of Zeus.
She was not only the protector for the city of Athens, but
other surrounding cities too, including Sparta.
Athena represents an independent woman, one who
believes in fighting with intuition rather than with
violence.
She was and still continues to be the patron Goddess of
Athens in Greece.
She never consorted with a lover nor did she marry or
have children; thus being referred to as the virgin
Goddess.
It is said that Athena sprang forth from Zeus’ brain full
grown and in clad armor.
She assisted Perseus by giving him a mirror-like shield to
help him on his quests.
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.
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.