Athena Role In Greek Mythology

The role of the goddess Athena is vital in any survey of ancient Greek mythology. Her many skills and positive characteristics differentiate her from the average women of ancient societies and set her as a role model of intelligence and prowess. This essay will explain the background and growth of Athena, as well as her attributes and characteristics. Athena’s major role in ancient Greek literature and mythology will further explain her role in history and as a foundation of Greek culture.

The goddess Athena is the child of the sea nymph Metis and Zeus. The story of her birth personifies her role in Greek mythology. Zeus lusted after Metis and chased her his way. She tried to escape by turning into various creatures. Eventually, they got married and Metis became Zeus’s first wife. An oracle of Gaea prophesied that the child he would bear with her after the birth of Athena would overpower him as the lord of heaven causing Zeus to worry, as it had happened to his father. To prevent this he swallowed the pregnant Metis with Athena in her womb. When it was time for her to be born, Zeus’s head was in extreme pain. All the Olympian gods tried to help him and eventually Hephaestus opened Zeus’s head with an axe. From Zeus’s head emerged Athena, fully grown and dressed in full armor. This

She is the protectress of civilized life, artesian activities and agriculture. Athena is the embodiment of wisdom, reason and purity. She is Zeus’s favorite child and was allowed to use his weapons. Her holy tree was the olive and she is often symbolized as an own. She wears an Aegis and a goatskin shield which has a fringe of snake. While fierce and brave in battle, she only takes part in wars that defended the state and home from outside enemies. . Athena invented the bridle, which allowed men to tame horses, the trumpet and flute, the pot, the rake, the plow, the yoke, the ship and the