ATHENA
by

Kim Izquierdo

(Paper submitted to Images of Women in the Ancient World: Issues of Interpretation and Identity, Spring 1998)

Athena is the goddess of war, wisdom, and the creative arts. She has been the epitome of wisdom, maturity, and responsibility since her birth. The protector of Athens and a counselor of men, Athena, was the favored Greek goddess who defied the laws of mortals and immortals alike.

Athena was the daughter of Zeus and Metis. Metis was the guardian of the planetary power of Mercury, which is associated with wisdom. The name Metis means "counsel" or "practical wisdom". Zeus was the highest god and the most feared god of them all. Therefore, it is no surprise that Athena's personality was a combination of the infamous qualities of these two parents.

Although Athena can claim the wisdom of her mother Metis, she was essentially the child of only one parent, of her father Zeus. Zeus feared the future birth of a son by Metis who would be the heir to his throne. The son would then remove Zeus from his throne the same way that Zeus removed his own father, Chronus, from his throne. Needless to say, Zeus felt threatened by the heir and could not conceive of yielding power. As a means of resolving this problem, Zeus devised a plan to seduce Metis while she was pregnant with Athena and take her by surprise by swallowing her. By devouring his wife, Zeus was preventing the eventual birth of a son from taking place.

One day, after Zeus swallowed his wife Metis, he had a terrible splitting headache. In an effort to relieve his headache, one of Zeus' sons, Hephaestus, used an ax to open Zeus' head. Once this procedure was complete, Athena sprung from Zeus' head fully grown, as is shown in the following image:

Athena springing from head of Zeus (c. 540 B.C.)

As you can see, when Athena emerged from the head of Zeus, she was a fully grown woman adorned with a shield and a sharp javelin. It is in this image that Athena is always portrayed, since she never experienced a childhood. In addition, Athena is also known to be closely associated with the owl. The following statue is unusual in that the owl is usually resting on Athena's shoulder, and is not in her hand. The owl is a sign of wisdom, Athena's trademark. There is some dispute, however, as to whether the owl is associated with Athena because it represents wisdom, or whether the owl represents wisdom because of its association with Athena.

Bronze statuette. Athena holding an owl (c. 450 B.C.)

The city of Athens was named after Athena. She was the pre-eminent goddess of the city who protects the residents from outsiders and enemies and keeps it organized and running smoothly from within. Leading armies to victory and glory was just part of her responsibility. Advising overseers and leaders, and supervising local and national gatherings were also within her realm. An advocate of urban life and civilization in general, Athena helped humans understand the laws and customs necessary to create communities, and build and live in cities. By doing so, Athena maintained life, health, and happiness. Clearly, Athena's efficiency and competency in running the city is made possible through her lucid, rational thinking and her ability to see into the future and beyond the immediate gratification of any given act or response.

Compassion and mercy within the goddess were not forgotten amongst her many duties. Athena was always eager to settle any conflict or confusion. Whenever there was a criminal trial and the judges votes were evenly split, Athena always voted in favor of freeing the accused. This shows a side of Athena that was sympathetic and understanding human error.

Although Athena was a busy goddess, she made time for other activities. Athena is credited with inventing the flute, the trumpet, the earthenware pot, the plow, the rake, the ox-yoke, the bridle, the chariot, and the ship. She taught mathematics and various women's arts such as cooking, weaving, and spinning. In addition, Athena possessed the following skills:

Made mothers fertile
Nourished children to grow and develop
Preserved the divine order in nature
Protected fruit and crops from damage
Inspired shipbuilders
Guided the wanderer safely over both sea and land
Filled men with courage while escorting them on their adventures and guarding them from danger

Athena's immortality allowed her to live in a time and space unknown to humans. She was known to be in many places at once, to fly through the air, and to move from one place to another instantly. Furthermore, Athena was devoid of human emotions. She did not eat, drink, cry, or bleed.

As the daughter of Zeus, Athena was instantly recognized as the most powerful goddess of war. She was proud and let it be known that she was first among equals, immortal, and nearly her father's equal in status amongst the gods. Not having the nature of a shrinking violet, Athena thought herself as clever as Zeus, if not more so. Eventually, being the daughter of Zeus was not enough for Athena, because she did not want to be second to anyone. Athena's power over Athens was no longer enough to please her. She wanted more, she wanted to be universally known as a cut above the other immortals.

The pride that Athena possessed within herself was the catalyst in her decision to aggressively compete with both mortals and immortals. Eventually, Athena launched a campaign involving both humans and gods, whereby she secretly rebelled against her father Zeus. Claiming her territory among immortals, validating her attributes, and displaying her special rights as Zeus' daughter and as an individual was the goal. Needless to say, the campaign was a success. As a result, she at once became both feared and revered. Everyone knew that Athena had her favorite warriors and cities, and that she used her strength and influence to defend them. While she was considered to be the superior goddess, she was also feared because of her violent temper which was known to flare quickly. She knew that her intelligence was the key to her power and used it to her advantage. In addition to being proud, Athena was vein for all that she was capable of creating and executing.

Although the goddess was intent on establishing her position and power over the mortal and immortal world, that does not mean that she did not come to the aid of those who needed her assistance. Athena was always closely bound to Odysseus, who is also called Polymetis, or 'he of many counsels'. Athena is a guide to Odysseus whenever he needs strategy and foresight, throughout his existence from the beginning to the end. The same for Achilles when he is in need of limits and self-discipline.

A natural leader, Athena was the only goddess to wear armor. She used this armor to protect Athens and promote civilization in general. As the daughter of Zeus, she possessed a special power and authority which she used to promote well-being and to protect her favorite warriors and heroes. Known for her wisdom, creativity, and support for the useful arts, Athena embodied all of the aspects of a well rounded goddess.

Images of Athena in art and literature can be found through the following links: