The Goddess Athena

Athena is one of the most important goddesses in Greek mythology. She represents three things; she is the Goddess of the City of Athens, the protector of civilization, and she helped man tame the horse by inventing the horse bit.

Athena is a warrior goddess who was born in an unusual way. Her father Zeus, King of all Gods, wanted complete loyalty from his daughter, so he tricked his first wife, Meitis, into letting him take over her body while she was pregnant. Thus, Athena sprang from her father’s forehead fully grown and dressed with armor.

Athena is not just a war goddess; she loved mankind, farming, and the arts. Three images are always near Athena’s side. First is the olive branch, which is still used in the Olympics today. Second is the flute, invented by Athena, which represents art and wisdom.  Finally is Athena’s cloak that has her father’s shield that has the hideous head of Medusa the Gorgon, along with the thunderbolt as protections from her father.