Athena Flashcards
Who was Athena?
Goddess of War and Wisdom
What is the story of Athena’s birth?
Zeus impregnated the goddess Metis who later gave him the prophecy that the next child born by him would be the new leader of the Gods. To avoid this Zeus tricked Metis into turning into a fly and then swallowed her. He developed a headache so called upon Hephasitos, who decided it was best to hit him in the head with a hammer. When he did, Athena sprang from Zeus’ head as a fully grown woman.
Who was Athena often represented with?
Nike, the winged goddess of victory
How was Athena represented?
With an owl (wisdom) and a helmet, spear and the aegis, a breastplate or shield engraved with the head of gorgon.
What is an aegis?
The breastplate or shield of Athena that contained an image of a gorgon in the centre
