Athena or Athene, often given the epithet Pallas, is an
ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, handicraft, and warfare who
was later syncretized with the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena was regarded
as the patron and protectress of various cities across Greece,
particularly the city of Athens, from which she most likely received her
name. The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is dedicated to her. Her
major symbols include owls, olive trees, snakes, and the Gorgoneion. In
art, she is generally depicted wearing a helmet and holding a spear.
Greek Mythology: In Greek mythology,
Athena was believed to have been born from the forehead of her father
Zeus. In the founding myth of Athens, Athena bested Poseidon in a
competition over patronage of the city by creating the first olive tree.
She was known as Athena Parthenos "Athena the Virgin," but in one
archaic Attic myth, the god Hephaestus tried and failed to rape her,
resulting in Gaia giving birth to Erichthonius, an important Athenian
founding hero. Athena was the patron goddess of heroic endeavor; she was
believed to have aided the heroes Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, and
Jason. Along with Aphrodite and Hera, Athena was one of the three
goddesses whose feud resulted in the beginning of the Trojan War.
