Athena
Myths are said to have two main functions. The first function is to answer the strange and sometimes weird questions that kids ask for example: Who make earth? The second function is to “justify existing social systems and account for traditional rites and customs. Myths played a major role in everyday life for many people. Myths explained anything from religious traditions to why the weather was the way it was. The earliest Greek myths were part of an oral tradition that began in the Bronze age. Over time the plots and themes were put in literature. The poet Homer told the mythical story of the Trojan War. In Greek Mythology there were twelve major gods and goddesses.(Greek Mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) One …show more content…
Although she is called the goddess of war Athena focuses on war strategy not the physical and violent aspects of war(.Athena | Greek mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) “She is goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.”(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Athena was also known for protecting civilized life and therefore is called “Goddess of the City.(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) “Athena was a patron of the arts and crafts, especially when it came to spinning and weaving.”(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Athena’s sacred animal was the owl. Symbols such as owls, olive trees, snakes, aegis, armor, helmets, spears, and gorgoneion are associated with Athena.(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) The olive tree and the owl appear most when Athena is mentioned. Athena is usually depicted with a helmet, spear, a lance, and carrying a shield. The helmet and armour come from the fact she was born in a helmet and full armour.(Athena | Greek mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Greek goddess Athena has countless …show more content…
Probably the most well known is the myth about how she was born. It is said out of fear that the child Metis was carrying was a boy Zeus swallowed Metis. He was afraid of a prophecy that said his son would become more powerful than him and would take over this throne. One day Zeus has a headache so bad that he asked Hephaestus to hit him in the forehead with an axe. When Hephaestus struck Zeus’ head out came Athena fully grown wearing full armour. This is why Athena is said to have not mother. This is also the reason Athena was Zeus’ favorite child. She was the only one out of all of his children who was allowed to use his weapons including the thunderbolt. Another myth is about Athena becoming the patron of Athens. Athena had to take part in a contest against Poseidon to become the patron. The people of Athens asked them to devise a gift for the city. Poseidon used his trident and struck the Acropolis and and a saltwater spring began to flow. Athena then touched the Acropolis with her spear and a olive tree appeared. The people decided that Athena’s gift was more valuable and made her their patron
Myths are said to have two main functions. The first function is to answer the strange and sometimes weird questions that kids ask for example: Who make earth? The second function is to “justify existing social systems and account for traditional rites and customs. Myths played a major role in everyday life for many people. Myths explained anything from religious traditions to why the weather was the way it was. The earliest Greek myths were part of an oral tradition that began in the Bronze age. Over time the plots and themes were put in literature. The poet Homer told the mythical story of the Trojan War. In Greek Mythology there were twelve major gods and goddesses.(Greek Mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) One …show more content…
Although she is called the goddess of war Athena focuses on war strategy not the physical and violent aspects of war(.Athena | Greek mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) “She is goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.”(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Athena was also known for protecting civilized life and therefore is called “Goddess of the City.(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) “Athena was a patron of the arts and crafts, especially when it came to spinning and weaving.”(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Athena’s sacred animal was the owl. Symbols such as owls, olive trees, snakes, aegis, armor, helmets, spears, and gorgoneion are associated with Athena.(Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) The olive tree and the owl appear most when Athena is mentioned. Athena is usually depicted with a helmet, spear, a lance, and carrying a shield. The helmet and armour come from the fact she was born in a helmet and full armour.(Athena | Greek mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2015.) Greek goddess Athena has countless …show more content…
Probably the most well known is the myth about how she was born. It is said out of fear that the child Metis was carrying was a boy Zeus swallowed Metis. He was afraid of a prophecy that said his son would become more powerful than him and would take over this throne. One day Zeus has a headache so bad that he asked Hephaestus to hit him in the forehead with an axe. When Hephaestus struck Zeus’ head out came Athena fully grown wearing full armour. This is why Athena is said to have not mother. This is also the reason Athena was Zeus’ favorite child. She was the only one out of all of his children who was allowed to use his weapons including the thunderbolt. Another myth is about Athena becoming the patron of Athens. Athena had to take part in a contest against Poseidon to become the patron. The people of Athens asked them to devise a gift for the city. Poseidon used his trident and struck the Acropolis and and a saltwater spring began to flow. Athena then touched the Acropolis with her spear and a olive tree appeared. The people decided that Athena’s gift was more valuable and made her their patron