Athena

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In ancient Greek mythology, Athena (Greek: , Athēnâ, or , Athénē; Doric: , Asána) was the goddess of wisdom, weaving, crafts, and war. Athena's wisdom encompasses the technical knowledge employed in weaving, metal-working, and war, but also includes the cunning intelligence (metis) of such trickster figures as Odysseus.

She is attended by an owl, wears a goatskin breastplate called the Aegis given to her by her father, Zeus, and is accompanied by the goddess of victory, Nike. She is often shown helmeted and with a shield bearing the Gorgon Medusa's head, a votive gift of Perseus. Athena is an armed warrior goddess, never a child, always a virgin (parthenos); she never had a consort or lover, although once Hephaestus tried and failed. Athena appears in Greek mythology as a helper of many heroes, including Heracles, Jason, and Odysseus. In her role as a protector of the city, Athena was worshipped throughout the Greek world as Athena Polias ("Athena of the city"). She had a special relationship with Athens, as is shown by the etymological connection of the names of the goddess and the city."Whether the goddess was named after the city or the city after the goddess is an ancient dispute" (Burkert 1985, p. 139). The Parthenon, on the Acropolis of Athens is her most famous temple.

In Roman mythology, she was known as Minerva, which originated from her association with the Etruscan goddess Menerva. Quite apart from Minerva, the Romans knew her as Athena as well (illustrations above and below left).

History

Athena is associated with Athens, a plural name because it was the place where she presided over her sisterhood, the Athenai, in earliest times. Athena was probably a goddess in the Aegean in prehistoric times, although her name is not attested in Eteocretan. She has been compared to Anatolian mother goddesses like Cybele. There is evidence that in early times, Athena was an owl herself, or a bird goddess in general. In Book 3 of the Odyssey, she takes the form of a sea-eagle. Her tassled aegis may be the remnants of wings ^*: she is depicted with wings on Archaic red-figure pottery.

In the Olympian pantheon, Athena was remade as the favorite daughter of Zeus, born fully armed from his forehead. The story of her birth comes in several versions. In the one most commonly cited, Zeus lay with Metis, the goddess of crafty thought and wisdom, but immediately feared the consequences. It had been prophesied that Metis would bear children more powerful than the sire, even Zeus himself. In order to forestall these dire consequences, Zeus transformed Metis into a fly and swallowed her immediately after lying with her. He was too late: Metis had already conceived a child. Metis immediately began making a helmet and robe for her fetal daughter. The hammering as she made the helmet caused Zeus great pain and Prometheus, Hephaestus, Hermes or Palaemon (depending on the sources examined) cleaved Zeus's head with the double-headed Minoan axe (labrys). Athena leaped from Zeus's head, fully grown and armed, and Zeus was none the worse for the experience.

Name and etymology

Athena's name is possibly of Lydian origin.G. Neumann, Kadmos 6 (1967). In Mycenaean Greek, She possibly appears in a single inscription in the Linear B tablets: A-ta-na-po-ti-ni-ja /Athana potniya/ appears on a text from the LMII-era "Room of the Chariot Tablets" in Knossos, the earliest Linear B archive anywhere.Kn V 52 (text 208 in Ventris and Chadwick 1972). Though this phrase is often translated as "Mistress Athena", it literally means "the potnia of At(h)ana", which perhaps means "the Lady of Athens";T. Palaima 2004, p. 444. but it is uncertain whether there is any connection to the city of Athens.Burkert 1985, p. 44. We also find A-ta-no-dju-wa-ja /Athana diwya/, the final part being the Linear B spelling of what we know from ancient Greek as Diwia (Mycenaean di-u-ja or di-wi-ja) "divine" (see dyeus).

In his Cratylus, Plato fancifully derived Athena's name from A-θεο-νόα (A-theo-noa) or H-θεο-νόα (E-theo-noa) meaning the mind of God (Cratylus 407b). Plato also incorrectly identified Athena with the Egyptian goddess Neith. Graves, Robert, The Greek Myths, Chapther 8:The Birth of Athena, p. 51

Epithets and cult titles

In poetry, Athena's most common epithet is glaukopis (γλαυκώπις), which is usually translated "bright-eyed" or "grey-eyed". It is a combination of glaukos (γλαύκος, meaning "gleaming," "silvery," and later, "bluish-green" or "gray") and ops (ώψ, "eye," or sometimes, "face"). It is interesting to note that glaux (γλαύξ, "owl") is from the same root, presumably because of its own distinctive eyes. The bird which sees in the night is closely associated with the goddess of wisdom: in archaic images, she is frequently depicted with an owl perched on her head. In earlier times, Athena may well have been a bird goddess, similar to Lilitu and/or the goddess depicted with owls, wings and bird talons on the Burney relief.

In the Homeric Hymns and in Hesiod's Theogony, she is given the curious epithet Tritogeneia. The meaning of this term is unclear. It seems to mean "Triton-born," perhaps indicating that the sea-god was her father according to some early myths, or that she was born near Lake Triton in Africa. Another possible meaning is "triple-born" or "third-born," which may refer to her status as the third daughter of Zeus.

In her role as judge at Orestes' trial on the murder of his mother, Clytemnestra (which he won), Athena won the epithet Athena Areia.

She was often referred to as Pallas Athena (Παλλάς Αθηνά). The epithet derived from an ambiguous figure named Pallas, sometimes male, sometimes female, never mentioned apart from Athena. The goddess killed Pallas, in some versions by mistake, for instance in a Pelasgian version of birth myth Pallas was the playmate who Athena killed by mistake in a game battle, Athena after that take the name of Pallas af sing of mourn Graves, Robert, The Greek Myths, Chapter 8: The Birth of Athena, p.51.In others versions Pallas was a Giant killed by she in the Gigantomachy and ever after wore her/his goatskin fringed with chthonic serpents, as the protective aegis. She may have absorbed and supplanted Pallas more gently: Walter Burkert says "she is the Pallas of Athens, Pallas Athenaie, just as Hera of Argos is Here ArgeieBukert,Walter ,Greek Religion III.2.4, p139.. For the Athenians, Burkert notes, she was simply "the Goddess", he theos'', certainly an ancient title.

Athena was given many cult titles. She had the epithet Athena Ergane as the patron of craftsmen and artisans. With the epithet Athena Parthenos ("virgin"), Athena was worshipped on the Acropolis, especially in the festival of the Panathenaea. With the epithet Athena Promachos she led in battle. With the epithet Athena Polias ("of the city"), Athena was the protectress of Athens and its Acropolis.

Athena was often equated with Aphaea, a local goddess of the island of Aegina, located near Athens.

Athena in classical art

Athena is classically portrayed wearing full armor (but almost never with the helmet in the down position so it would cover the face, instead it is worn on the forehead like a hat) carrying a spear and a shield with the head of the gorgon Medusa mounted on it. It is in this posture that she was depicted in Phidias's famous gold and ivory statue of her, the Athena Parthenos, now lost to history, in the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. Athena is also often depicted with an owl (a symbol of wisdom) sitting on one of her shoulders. The Mourning Athena is a relief sculpture that dates around 460 BC and portrays a tired, emotional Athena.

In earlier, archaic portraits of Athena in vase-paintings, the goddess retains some of her Minoan character, such as great birdwings.

Apart from her attributes, there seems to be a relative consensus in sculpture as to what Athena looked like. Most noticeable in the face is perhaps the nose. It is not necessarily a nose that sticks out far from the face in the direction of the viewer (i.e. the nose can be relatively flat), but it is a high nose that often seems like a natural extension of the forehead, a bit like the nose-guard of her helmet. The eyes are typically somewhat deeply set. The lips are usually full but the mouth is fairly narrow, usually just slightly wider than the nose. The neck is somewhat longish. The net result is a serene, aristocratic, somewhat aloof beauty.

Athena in mythology

Birth

Hesiod's Theogony gives the most complete account of Athena's birth. Zeus lay with Metis, the goddess of crafty thought, but immediately feared the consequences. It had been prophesied that Metis would bear children more powerful than the father, and this includes even Zeus himself. In order to forestall these dire consequences, Zeus played a game with Metis. She transformed into many creatures, big and small. When Metis transformed into a fly, Zeus swallowed her immediately after lying with her. He was too late: Metis was already pregnant. Metis immediately began making a helmet and robe for her fetal daughter. The hammering as she made the helmet caused Zeus great pain and Hephaestus cut open Zeus's skull with the double-headed Minoan axe (labrys). Athena leaped from Zeus's skull, fully grown and armed, and Zeus was none the worse for the experience.This is the most common version of her birth

But Robert Graves in his book The Greek Myths tell us another version of her birth of Pelasgian origin, according this version Athena was born near the lagoon Tritonis in Libya and was raised by three nymphs.Graves, Robert, The Greek Myths, Chapter 8: The Birth of Athena, p.51.

Erichthonius

According to Apollodorus, Hephaestus attempted to rape Athena but was unsuccessful. His semen fell on the ground, and Erichthonius was born from the earth. Athena then raised the baby as a foster mother. Alternatively, the semen landed on Athena's leg, and she wiped it off with a piece of wool which she tossed on the ground. Erichthonius arose from the ground and the wool. Another version says that Hephaestus wanted Athena to marry him but she disappeared on his bridal bed; he ejaculated onto the ground instead. Athena left to three sisters, Herse, Pandrosa and Aglaurathe baby in a small box and warned them to never open it. Aglaula opened the cista which contained the infant and future-king, Erichthonius. The sight caused Herse and Pandrosa to go insane and they threw themselves off the Acropolis'. An alternative version of the same story is that while Athena was gone to bring a mountain to use in the Acropolis, two of the willful sisters opened the box. A crow witnessed the opening and flew away to tell Athena, who fell into a rage and dropped the mountain (now Mt. Lykabettos) Graves, Robert, The Greek Myths,25.Nature and Facts of Athena, d, p 117'. Once again, Herse and Pandrosa went insane and threw themselves to their deaths off a cliff.

Erichthonius later became King of Athens and implemented many beneficial changes to Athenian culture. During this time, Athena frequently protected him.

Aglaura

There is another version of the myth, told in the Methamorphoses of Ovidius. In the Ovidius version Hermes falls in love with Herse then Herse, Aglaura and Pandrosa go to the temple to offer sacrifices to Athena. Hermes demands help from Aglaura to seduce Herse. Aglaura in exchange demands money from Hermes who gives her the money of sacrifice and seduces Herse. Publius Ovidius Naso ,The Methamorphoses, Aglaura . Book II, Chapter X, v. 708-751 Athena in punishment for Aglaura's greed asks the Envy to corrupt her feelings, and infested by envy towards Herse, Aglaura turns to stone.Publius Ovidius Naso ,The Methamorphoses, The Envy. Aglaura turns into statue of stone. Book II, Chapter XI, v. 752-832

Athens

Athena competed with Poseidon to be the patron deity of Athens. They agreed that each would give the Athenians one gift and the Athenians would choose whichever gift they preferred. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and a spring sprung up; the water was salty and not very useful, whereas Athena offered them the first domesticated olive tree. The Athenians (or their king, Cecrops) accepted the olive tree and along with it Athena as their patron, for the olive tree brought wood, oil and food. This is thought to remember a clash between the inhabitants during Mycenaean times and newer immigrants. It is interesting to note that Athens at its height was a significant sea power, defeating the Persian fleet at the Battle of Salamis near Salamis Island in 480 BC. Athena was also the patron goddess of several other cities, notably Sparta. In an alternate version, Poseidon invents the first horse. Athena's gift is still chosen.

Arachne

A woman named Αράχνη (Arachne) once boasted that she was a superior weaver to Athena, the goddess of weaving. Athena appeared to her disguised as an old woman and told Arachne to repent for her hubris but Arachne instead challenged Athena to a contest. Athena threw off her disguise and the contest began. Athena wove a depiction of the conflict with Poseidon over Athens, while Arachne wove a depiction making fun of Zeus and his many wives. Athena was furious at her skill (the contest was never decided) and her choice of subject (after all, she is Zeus's favorite daughter.) Enraged, she destroyed Arachne's work and transformed her into the first spider, which forever weaves a silk web to catch its food.Publius Ovidius Naso, The Metamorphoses,Pallas and Arachné Book VI Chapter 1, , verses 1-145

Perseus and Medusa

Athena guided Perseus in eliminating Medusa, a dangerous unreformed relic of the old pre-Olympian order, and she was awarded the grisly trophy that turned men to stone, for her shield.

Heracles

Athena instructed Heracles how to remove the skin from the Nemean Lion, by using the lion's own claws to cut through its thick hide. The lion's hide became Heracles' signature garment, along with the olive-wood club he used in the battle. Athena also assisted Heracles on a few other labors.

She also helped Heracles defeat the Stymphalian Birds, along with Hephaestus.

She wears an aegis, a goatskin shield which had a fringe of snakes. When Perseus killed the gorgon Medusa, whose face turned men to stone, he gave the gorgon head to Athena, and the goddess placed it on her aegis. This is a protective measure, for the Medusa's head retained its petrifying power even after her death.

Tiresias and Chariclo

In one version of the Tiresias myth, Athena blinded Tiresias after he stumbled onto her bathing naked. His mother, Chariclo, begged her to undo her curse, but Athena couldn't; she gave him prophecy instead.

Odysseus

Odysseus' cunning and shrewd nature quickly won Athena's favour, though she is unable to help him during his journey home from Troy until he washes up on the shore of an island where the Princess Nausicaa is washing her clothes. She appears in Nausicaa's dreams to ensure the princess rescues Odysseus and eventually sends him to Ithaca. Athena, herself, appears in disguise to Odysseus upon his arrival. She initially lies and tells him Penelope, his wife, has remarried and Odysseus is believed to be dead, though Odysseus lies to her, seeing through her disguise. Pleased with his resolve and shrewdness, she reveals herself to him and tells him everything he needed to know in order to win back his kingdom. She disguises him as an elderly man so that he will not be noticed by the Suitors or Penelope and she helps Odysseus defeat his suitors and end the feud against their relatives.

Athena in post-classical culture

Athena (Minerva) is the subject of the $50 1915-S Panama-Pacific commemorative coin. At 2.5 troy oz (78 g) gold, this is the largest (by weight) coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint. This was the first $50 coin issued by the U.S. Mint and no higher was produced until the production of the $100 platinum coins in 1997. Of course, in terms of face-value in adjusted dollars, the 1915 is the highest denomination ever issued by the U.S. Mint.

A full-scale replica of the Parthenon has stood in Nashville, Tennessee, which is known as the Athens of the South, for over a century. In 1990, a great replica of Phidias' statue of the goddess was added, over 41 feet (12.5 m) tall and gilded.

The state seal of California features an image of Athena kneeling next to a brown grizzly bear.

Athena is also featured prominently in various modern pop culture creations including a Japanese animation called Saint Seiya. Saint Seiya was originally created by Japanese manga artist Masami Kurumada.

Athena has also been seen in modern movies and television. She was featured in the movie "Clash of the Titans" , "The Odyssey" TV adaptation of the Odyssey . She was also in three episodes of " Xena Warrior Princess"

Athena figures prominently in the 2006 novel Herald, by N.F. Houck, about the god Hermes, who calls Athena "the greatest of my siblings."

Recent Javier Negrete's novel Señores del Olimpo, winner of the Minotauro Award 2006, has Athena as one of the main characters. Señores del Olimpo, de Javier Negrete by Pelayo Mariño

Notes

References

Burkert, Walter, 1985. Greek Religion (Harvard).
Graves, Robert, 1960. The Greek Myths.
Palaima, Thomas, 2004. "Appendix One: Linear B Sources." In Trzaskoma, Stephen, et al., eds., Anthology of Classical Myth: Primary Sources in Translation (Hackett).
Ventris, Michael and Chadwick, John, 1973. Documents in Mycenaean Greek (Cambridge).

External links

(Carlos Parada) Athena Album Repertory of main Athena types and post-Renaissance depictions
Nashville's Athena statue
The Nashville Parthenon
Minoan Origins of Athena by Virginia Hicks
Athena - "The Statue of Freedom" atop the US Capitol building

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