Athena

Athena is one of the most important gods in Greek mythology. She was known as the goddess of wisdom, planning, and skilled war. Skilled war means careful thinking and strategy rather than strength alone. Athena lived on Mount Olympus with the other Olympian gods. Ancient Greeks believed she guided people in making fair decisions and clear plans.

Athena was the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods. According to myth, she was born fully grown and wearing armor from Zeus’s head. This unusual birth showed her close link to wisdom and thought. Athena did not have a mother in most stories. She was often shown wearing a helmet and carrying a shield.

Athena was connected to cities and laws. The city of Athens was named after her. In one myth, Athena and Poseidon competed to become the city’s protector. Poseidon offered a saltwater spring, while Athena offered an olive tree. An olive tree provided food and oil, so the city chose Athena. Because of this, she became the city’s guardian.

Athena was also a goddess of crafts and skills. She was linked to weaving, building, and tool-making. A craft is a skilled activity done by hand. Stories described her teaching people how to make clothes and tools. She was believed to support workers who used skill and care rather than force.

In war stories, Athena guided heroes with advice and planning. She helped heroes such as Odysseus during the Trojan War. She did not enjoy violence for its own sake. Instead, she focused on defense and careful action. This made her different from Ares, the god of violent war.

Athena was often shown with an owl, which became a symbol of wisdom. She also carried a shield called the Aegis. The Aegis was said to protect her and cause fear in enemies. In Roman mythology, Athena was called Minerva. Myths about Athena helped explain how ancient Greeks understood wisdom, cities, and skillful work.