Athena is the goddess of wisdom and strategy, and she is represented by her helmet and scroll, for strategy in war.
Athena was the daughter of Zeus and Metis, a Titaness. Zeus pursued Metis because she was beautiful, and when he caught her, he heard a prophecy that if she bore two children for him, the second would be a son who would overthrow him as he overthrew Cronos. When Zeus caught up to Metis, he swallowed her. He was overcome with a headache so terrible that he asked Hephaestus to split his head open. Out of his skull leapt a tall woman in armor, Athena. She became the goddess of wisdom and strategy, and often outwitted Ares in battle with her skill and intuition.
Athena was the primary aid to Odysseus during his journey home from Troy in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, and it was she who tricks Hector into stopping and facing Achilles who finally kills Hector in The Iliad. Athena also helped Perseus kill the evil Medusa by giving him a pair of winged sandals, the same ones she made for Hermes.
Athena was also incredibly jealous. She once challenged a young girl named Arachne to a weaving competition, because Arachne claimed to weave better than Athena. Of course, Athena won the competition, but before Athena could dole out any punishment, Arachne hung herself. Athena was so moved by Arachne’s efforts that she turned her into a spider.
The city of Athens, Greece was named after Athena, and that is where the Parthenon, Athena’s temple, still stands today. The Greeks asked the gods to make Athena the goddess of their city and revoke Poseidon’s rule, because Poseidon was prone to random violent rages against the city. The gods granted their wish. Since Athena never married or had children, she is also sometimes celebrated as the goddess of virginity; in fact, parthenos in Greek means maiden, or virgin.
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Try it for Free!Athena Quick Reference
Parents
Zeus and Metis
Power / Domain
- Wisdom
- Strategy
- Architecture
- Craft
Symbols
- Helmet
- Scroll
- Aegis with Medusa Head
Notable Myths
- Birth from Zeus' head
- Perseus
- Arachne
How Tos about Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and Craft
Engage students with an interactive mythology timeline
Create a large classroom timeline highlighting major events and characters in Greek mythology, including Athena. Use colored cards or images for each myth to make it visually appealing and easy for students to follow.
Incorporate storytelling and role-play
Design creative art projects inspired by Athena
Use graphic organizers to compare gods and goddesses
Connect mythology to modern life and literature
Frequently Asked Questions about Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and Craft
Who is Athena in Greek mythology?
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and crafts. She is one of the 12 Olympian Gods and was born from the head of her father, Zeus.
What are Athena's main symbols and what do they represent?
Athena’s main symbols include the owl (wisdom), olive tree (peace), and armor (war strategy). Each symbol reflects her roles in Greek mythology.
How was Athena born according to Greek myths?
According to myths, Athena was born fully grown and armored from Zeus’s head after he swallowed her pregnant mother, Metis.
Why is Athena important in Greek mythology lessons?
Athena is a key figure for teaching about ancient Greek culture, values, and mythology. Her stories illustrate themes like intelligence, courage, and justice, making her an essential topic for students.
What are some famous myths involving Athena?
Famous myths include Athena and the founding of Athens, her rivalry with Poseidon, and her role in the Odyssey, helping Odysseus return home safely.
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