Definition of the glossary term Athena
Athena was the Greek goddess of war and wisdom. She was the daughter of Zeus and Metis, and by far Zeus' favorite child. She was known for being a very fair and chaste goddess.
Attribute: the owl
Her patron city was Athens. She won this honor in a contest versus Poseidon. The two gods were vying for the city-state, and both offered a gift. Poseidon offered a flowing brook. Athena offered an olive tree. The olive tree could provide food, income, and shelter for the young city, and she won patronage.
Athena was notable for having been born from her father's head. When Metis was about to give birth to her daughter, Zeus swallowed the woman (perhaps to cover his tracks from his wife?). After complaining of a bad headache, Hephaestus split open his skull, and out burst a fullt armed Athena.
Roman name: Minerva
