As the story goes, Poseidon raped Medusa, and Athena retaliated by turning the victimized woman into a Gorgon. This was because Paris judged the three goddesses to determine the favorite, granting the prize to the goddess of love and angering the others.Īthena also cursed Medusa for defiling one of her temples. The events leading to the Trojan war came about as Athena, along with her aunt Hera, were angry with the human Paris and the goddess Aphrodite. However, several events paint her in a more negative light than the common virtuous ideal. Her divine protection, wise choices, and granted boons are what are most often associated with Athena.
However, like all the gods, she was flawed in several ways, sometimes allowing pride and jealousy to determine her course of action. She is generally seen as a force for good on the side of humanity, protecting heroes and delivering justice and wisdom. Still, in terms of most of her stories and worship, Athena was revered by the people. It’s hard to judge the Olympians purely on human morality – they are gods who act as gods do they are quite distinct from mortals. The Furies were changed in the process, offered a new role as protectors of justice. Athena stopped the pursuit and made sure he had a fair trial, during which she cast the deciding vote. The legendary Orestes was pursued by the Furies after he slew his own mother and her lover in revenge for his father’s death. She granted Perseus the tools he needed to slay Medusa and protected Heracles in his battle with Ares.Ĭasting Fair Judgement – Though Zeus was the Olympians’ main judge, Athena’s wisdom often played a part. Granting Boons to Heroes – Athena was heavily involved in Odysseus’s myths, Perseus, Heracles, Jason, and others, using her powers and knowledge to aid them in their heroic quests. Despite this, the Trojans also worshipped her. She fought alongside them, often engaging on the battlefield with Ares. The Trojan War – Unlike her brother Ares, who sided with the warlike Trojans, Athena loaned her military strategy to the Greeks. She won, and Athens has been under her protection ever since. Still, Athena countered by causing the first olive tree to grow at the hill’s top. Poseidon used his trident to spawn a saltwater spring from the Acropolis. In some myths, it was judged by Zeus, in others by a mortal. Poseidon and the Olive Tree – Athena competed with her uncle Poseidon, the god of the sea, to decide which of them would rule over Athens.
Metis’s pregnancy continued, and Athena was born sometime later from Zeus’s forehead, fully-grown and clad in battle armor. Zeus feared a prophecy from the Fates about the strength of his future child and feared that they might overthrow him, so he swallowed Metis whole. Her Own Birth – Athena was the child of Zeus and the goddess Metis, his first wife. Five of the most powerful stories surrounding Athena include: She was Zeus’s favorite daughter and a source of wisdom and defense to mortals and immortals alike. What Role Does Athena Play in Some of the Myths?ĭue to her importance, Athena is a core character in thousands of myths and legends, more than many other Olympians. What Are the Symbols of Athena, and What Does She Symbolize?.What Role Does Athena Play in Some of the Myths?.
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