Athena
Athena was Zeus' favorite daughter. When Zeus found out that his first wife, Metis, was about to give birth to a child, he swallowed her. Shortly later, Zeus started suffering from a intolerable headache, so Hephaestus, Zeus's son, split open his skull with a bronze axe, and out popped Athena, fully armed and grown. It was said that when Athena was born, the earth echoed with a terrible sound, the sea trembled, and it's dark waves rose.
The other Gods who lived on Olympus were terribly jealous of Athena because they said they all obeyed Zeus but Athena did as she pleased. Ares told Zeus that Athena was rash and foolish, delighting in only guilty acts. Zeus knew it was true, but cast it all aside. Zeus felt like he had a special bond with Athena because he gave birth to her.
When Athena was born, she was dressed in full armor, which gave her warlike appearances. She took part in the war against the giants, where she killed Pallas and Enceladus. Athena is said to be the Goddess of ferocious and implacable fight. Athena was only a warrior to defend the state and native land against enemies coming from outside. Athena invented the horse-bit, which tamed horses, making them do what the master wanted.
Athena only came to the aid of people she felt worthy of her esteem. Athena was a exception on Olympus because of her absolute chastity. It was said she had relations with Helios, Hephaestus, and Hercules, but none were true. She defended her virginity fiercely. In poetry she was the incarnation of Wisdom, Reason, and Purity.
The city of Athens was given to Athena, because she won it from Poseidon. Poseidon and Athena both wanted the city of Athens, so the people of the city told them to both offer gifts, and whoever had the best gift for the city would win the city. Posedion made a spring come out of a rock, but it was as salty as the ocean, and of no use to the people. Athena made an olive tree which produced food, oils, and wood. So they gave the city to her. Athena watched over the city with care, and was very proud of the city.
By: Nicole Johnson
Source Book: D'Aulaires' book of Greek
Myths, By: Ingri and Edgar Darin D'Aulaires.
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