Athena
Athena, also known as Minerva, was a war goddess, meaning she can not be dominated. She is also a palace goddess, so she can not be violated. Athena was urban and civilized. She represented wisdom, fairness, and talent in war (Athena Britannica).
Athena was fierce and ruthless when it came to battle. She was the guardian of civilized life, handicrafts, and agriculture; the embodiment of wisdom, reason, and purity. Some called her "grey-eyed" or "flashing-eyed" because that was the first thing everyone noticed about her. She invented the bridle, and she tamed horses for man to use (Hamilton). Athena was associated with the owl, and the olive tree. The olive tree was important to her because it is the gift she gave to her city. Athena and her uncle, Poseidon, both favored this city. It was decided that whoever presented the best gift, the city would be theirs. Poseidon gave a beautiful spring, but the spring contained salty water, so the spring wasn't of much use to the city. Athena decided to give an olive tree. The city loved the olive tree because it provided them with natural resources. She won the city and called it Athens (Athena Encyclopedia). |
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