n Romano-Etruscan
n Romano-Etruscan
An oracle foretold to Zeus, the king of the gods, that if his wife Metis bore another child it would be a boy who would depose him. He promptly swallowed Metis, but was later smitten by terrible pains in his head. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, suspected the cause, and persuaded Hephaestus, the god of fire, to split his head open. Immediately Athena leapt out, fully grown and in full armour. She became his favourite child, and he gave her his shield, which bore the image of the gorgon Medusa, and the thunderbolt.
One of the principal deities in both mythologies, she stood for wisdom, reason and purity, was patron of arts, crafts and agriculture, and was the goddess of war and defender of the state.
She was also known as Pallas Athene, Kore and Parthenos - all titles which allude to her maidenhood.
She competed with Poseidon, the god of earthquakes and the sea, for possession of Athens. He offered the citizens the horse, whilst she offered the olive tree, which the Athenians deemed the better gift. In return they dedicated the Parthenon to her.
Other gifts of hers to man were the plough, the flute and the arts of taming animals and shipbuilding. She was often associated with the owl, an image which appeared on all Athenian coins. The phrase "owls to Athens" carried the same meaning as "coals to Newcastle".
How did Aphrodite, the goddess of love, enter the world?
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