The Character And Symbols Of Athena In Ancient Greece

Pallas Athena was a Greek goddess who was born fully grown with full armor from the head of Zeus. She was Zeus’ favorite child and he trusted her with an aegis that held the head of Medusa and his devastating weapon: the thunderbolt. Athena has a temple dedicated to her in Athens called the Parthenon. She was described as “gray-eyed” and because of her chasteness, Athena was called “Maiden Parthenos”. Athena was known to be the protector of civilized life, goddess of the city, handicrafts and agriculture and taught mankind much. Athena represented many skills and symbols including the olive tree, weaving, and chastity. Symbols representing Athena were the owl, for her wisdom, and the olive tree. The olive tree represents Athena because of a contest that occurred between her and Poseidon in Athens. The first king of Athens, Cecrops, was searching for a patron deity for the city state. Poseidon and Athena were by far the two most interested of the gods and goddesses. Cecrops, looking to increase the wealth and prosperity of Athens, asked for a truly useful gift from the god and goddess. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and produced a well, but the water was …show more content…
Athena was often called “Maiden Parthenos” meaning virgin. Athena’s chasteness was something she was proud and protective off, she swore off all men. Athena once appeared in Hephaestus’ workshop asking him to make weapons for her. Hephaestus immediately felt strongly for her and in return for these weapons wanted her love. Athena, wishing to remain chaste, denied his advances but Hephaestus wouldn’t take no for an answer. Attempting to have his way with Athena, and failing, Mother Earth Gaea was fertilized and a half-serpent came to life named Erichthonius. Athena hid Erichthonius in Athens where he could be properly taken care of. When that failed he was imprisoned in a secret temple named Erechtheion in his