Athena, << uh THEE nuh, >> in Greek mythology, was the goddess of warfare, wisdom, and arts and crafts. She also was the patron goddess of Athens. The Athenians called Athena Parthenos (Virgin) because of her chosen state of virginity. In the 400’s B.C., they dedicated a temple called the Parthenon to Athena. Athena represented strategic war planning rather than the raw violence of war. The Romans identified their goddess Minerva with Athena.
According to some ancient sources, Athena was born full-grown and dressed in armor from the head of Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus had swallowed the goddess Metis when Metis was pregnant with Athena. From her mother, Athena inherited cunning and, according to some sources, an ability to change shape and assume disguises. Athena also embodied the ancient Greek ideal of self-restraint. Athena assisted and inspired such Greek heroes as Heracles, Odysseus, and Perseus.
As the goddess of arts and crafts, Athena was skilled at weaving, embroidery, and spinning. According to one myth, a woman named Arachne once boastfully challenged Athena to a weaving contest. After the contest, Athena turned Arachne into a spider so she would have to spend the rest of her life spinning.
Athena is depicted in art as a tall, stately woman wearing a crested helmet and carrying a spear and shield. On her shield, called the aegis, was the head of Medusa, which could paralyze Athena’s foes (see Medusa). Athena is often shown accompanied by a snake and carrying an owl on her shoulder.
