top of page

Athena

Athena (Minerva in roman mythology) was the goddess of war and wisdom. She was Zeus/Jupiter's daughter and was born out his head. She was his father's favorite and in myths she often helps heroes. In Greece, she had more relevance that in Rome. She had the intellectual side of war, while Ares/Mars had the brutal side. Athens is associated with her; she won her uncle Poseidon/Neptune in a competition of who's gift was best: an olive tree (Athena) or a salty water fountain (Poseidon). The goddess competed with Aphrodite/Venus and Hera/Juno in the judgement of Paris.

A statue of Athena.

Symbols: helmet, shield with Medusa's head on it, a spear.

Athena (on the right). Painting by Houasse.

Myths related to Athena/Minerva:


Sources:

-Encyclopedia Britannica: Athena


Images from Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

10 views0 comments

Commentaires


bottom of page