Athena
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<nowiki> == == == == == == == == [:''This article is about the goddess Athena. For other uses see [[Athena (disambiguation)]].'' [[Image:Athena.png|right|thumb|200px|Drawing from a sculpture of Athena at the Louvre.]] '''Athena''', ([[Greek language|Greek]] {{polytonic|Ἀθηνᾶ}} Athēnâ or {{polytonic|Ἀθήνη}} Athénē; [[Doric Greek|Doric]]: {{polytonic|Ἀσάνα}} Asána), the [[Greece|Greek]] [[goddess]] of [[wisdom]], [[strategy]], [[crafts]], [[war]], [[skills]], [[industry]], and [[justice]] associated by the [[Etruria|Etruscans]] with their [[Etruscan mythology|goddess]] [[Menrva]] and later by the Romans as [[Minerva]], is attended by an [[Little Owl|owl]], wore a goatskin breastplate called the [[Aegis]] given to her by her father and is accompanied by the goddess of victory, [[Nike (mythology)|Nike]]. Athena is also a goddess associated with mentoring heroes. Athena is an armed warrior goddess, never a child, always a [[virgin]] (''parthenos''); she is said to have found the advances of men to be childish. The [[Parthenon]] at Athens, Greece is her most famous shrine. She never had a consort or lover, although once [[Hephaestus]] tried and failed. [[Herodotus]] and [[Plato]] incorrectly identified '''Athena''' with the [[Libyan (Ancient people)|Libyan]] (modern [[Berber]]s) goddess [[Neith]]. According to [[Plato]], Athena was derived from ''A-θεο-νόα'' (A-theo-noa) or ''H-θεο-νόα'' (E-theo-noa) meaning the mind of God ([[Cratylus|Crat.407b]]). ==History== [[Image:Athena head.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Athena from the east pediment of the Afea temple in [[Aegina]]]] Athena was probably a goddess in the Aegean in the prehistoric times, although her name is not attested in [[Eteocretan]]. She has been compared to [[Anatolian]] mother goddesses like [[Cybele]], her name possibly of [[Lydian]] origin (G. Neumann, ''Kadmos'' 6, 1967), and her byname ''Pallas'' has been compared to Hittite ''palahh'', a divine raiment [http://www.dainst.org/index_79_en.html]. In [[Mycenaean Greek]], ''A-ta-na-po-ti-ni-ja'' ''/Athana potniya/'' (Mistress Athena) is referred to in the [[Knossos]] [[Linear B]] text V 2. and ''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]]). 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 [http://www.fjkluth.com/athena.html]. Athena is associated with [[Athens]], a plural name because it was the place where she presided over her sisterhood, the Athenai, in earliest times. In the [[List of Greek mythological characters|Olympian pantheon]], Athena was remade as the favorite daughter of [[Zeus]], born from his forehead. The story of her birth comes in several versions. In the one most commonly cited, Zeus lay with [[Metis (mythology)|Metis]], the goddess of crafty thought, but immediately feared the consequences. It had been prophesied that Metis would bear children more powerful than 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. Athena was patron of the art of weaving and other crafts, wisdom and battle. Unlike [[Ares]], who was hot-headed and undependable in battle, Athena's domain was strategy and tactics. Having taken the side of the Greeks in the war against [[Troy]], Athena assisted the wily [[Odysseus]] on his journey home. === Athena in art === [[Image: AttalusICorrected.jpg|thumb|200px|right|'''Athena''' was depicted on the obverse side of the [[Coin]] of [[Attalus I]], depicting the head of Attalus' great uncle [[Philetaerus]].]] Athena is classically portrayed wearing full armor, carrying a lance and a shield with the head of the [[gorgon]] [[Medusa (mythology)|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, Athens|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-painting]]s, the goddess retains some of her Minoan character, such as great birdwings. === Appellations === Homer's most common [[epithets in Homer|epithet]] for Athena, ''γλαυκώπις'' (glaukopis) is usually translated "bright-eyed" and is a combination of ''γλαύκος'' (glaukos) (which can be translated as "gleaming," "silvery," and later as "bluish-green" or "gray") and ''ώψ'' (ôps - "eye," or sometimes, "face"). It is interesting to note that ''γλαύξ'' (glaux - 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 [[Lilith|Lilitu]] and/or the goddess depicted with owls, wings and bird talons on the [[Burney relief]]. In her role as judge at [[Orestes (mythology)|Orestes']] trial on the murder of his mother, [[Clytemnestra]] (which he won), Athena won the epithet "Athena Areia." Athena was often associated with the local [[Aegina|Aeginian]] goddess, ''Αφαία'' ([[Aphaea]]). She had the epithet "Athena Ergane" as the patron of craftsmen and artisans. She was often referred to with the epithet "Παλλάς Αθηνά" (Pallas Athena). [[Pallas]] was an ambiguous figure, sometimes male sometimes female, never imagined apart from Athena. She killed Pallas in a mistake, and ever after wore her/his goatskin fringed with [[chthonic]] serpents, as the protective [[aegis]]. With the epithet "[[Athena Parthenos]]" ("virgin"), Athena was worshipped at the [[Parthenon]]. With the epithet "Athena Promachos" she led in battle. With the epithet "Athena Polias" ("of the city"), Athena was the protectress of Athens and the Acropolis. In the [[Homeric Hymns]] and in [[Hesiod]]'s ''[[Theogony]]'', she is described with the curious epithet "Tritogeneia." The exact meaning of this term is unclear. It seems to mean "[[Triton (mythology)|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. ==Episodes== === Erichthonius === According to [[Apollodorus]], [[Hephaestus]] attempted to [[rape]] Athena but was unsuccessful. His [[semen]] fell on the ground, and [[Erichthonius of Athens|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 gave three sisters, [[Herse]], [[Pandrosus]] and [[Aglaulus]] the baby in a small box and warned them to never open it. Aglaulus and Herse opened the box which contained the infant and future-king, Erichthonius. The sight caused Herse and Aglaulus to go insane and they threw themselves off the [[Acropolis, Athens|Acropolis]]. An alternative version of the same story is that while Athena was gone to bring a mountain to use in the Acropolis, the two 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]]). Once again, Herse and Aglaulus 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. === Athens === Athena competed with [[Poseidon]] to be the patron deity of [[Athens, Greece|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 [[Mycenae]]an times and newer immigrants. It is interesting to note that Athens at its height was a significant sea power, defeating the [[Iran|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. The old woman threw off her disguise and the contest began. Athena wove a depiction of the conflict with Poseidon over Athens, while Arachne wove a depiction of Zeus' many romantic exploits. Athena was furious at her skill (the contest was never decided) and her choice of subject. Enraged, she destroyed Arachne's work and struck the girl's head with the shuttle. As she could not bear to endure the pain, Arachne unsuccessfully tried to [[hanging|hang]] herself, but was transformed by Athena into the first [[spider]], which forever weaves its [[silk]] for food. ===Perseus and Medusa=== Athena guided [[Perseus (mythology)|Perseus]] in eliminating [[Medusa (mythology)|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]]. === [[Tiresias]] and [[Chariclo]] === 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 was unable to help run 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. == Miscellaneous == 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 [[United States Mint|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 [[Parthenon (Nashville)|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 [[Athena Parthenos|replica of Phidias' statue]] of the goddess was added, over 41 feet (12.5 m) tall and gilded. Athena had a childhood friend named Pallas. During one of their outings, Athena accidentally shot Pallas with an arrow, fatally wounding her. Athena then decided to put Pallas's name before hers so that Pallas would always be remembered. 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 had been given birth by Zeus "the father of gods" and Metis. Zeus had been told that any children he had by Metis would be very powerful and someday dethrone him. ==External links== {{wikiquote}} {{commons|Athena}} *[http://fury.com/galleries/road_trip_2003/index-Pages/Image6.html Nashville's Athena statue] *[http://www.nashville.gov/parthenon/index.htm The Nashville Parthenon] *[http://www.anistor.co.hol.gr/english/enback/e023 Minoan Origins of Athena] by Virginia Hicks {{Greek myth (Olympian)2}} [[Category:Greek goddesses]] [[Category:Smithing goddesses]] [[Category:War goddesses]] [[Category:Wisdom goddesses]] [[Category:Characters in the Iliad]] [[ar:آثينا]] [[bg:Атина (митология)]] [[bs:Atena]] [[ca:Atena]] [[cs:Athéna]] [[da:Athene (gudinde)]] [[de:Athene]] [[el:Αθηνά (μυθολογία)]] [[es:Atenea]] [[eo:Atena]] [[fr:Athéna]] [[gl:Atenea]] [[ko:아테나]] [[id:Dewi Athena]] [[it:Atena]] [[he:אתנה]] [[la:Athena]] [[lt:Atėnė]] [[lv:Atēna]] [[hu:Athéné]] [[mk:Атина (божица)]] [[nl:Pallas Athene]] [[ja:アテナ]] [[no:Athene]] [[pl:Atena]] [[pt:Atena]] [[ro:Atena (zeiţă)]] [[ru:Афина]] [[sl:Atena]] [[sr:Атина (митологија)]] [[fi:Pallas Athene]] [[sv:Athena]] [[tl:Athena]] [[tr:Athena]] [[uk:Афіна]] [[zh:雅典娜]]] == == == == == == == ==</nowiki>]