Athens (Athena)

Goddess of wisdom and war

Athena is one of the twelve gods of Olympus in Greece, and the Roman name is Minerva. Legend has it that Zeus was born with the goddess of wisdom, Metis. Because it was predicted that Metis's child would overthrow Zeus, Zeus swallowed her whole, so Zeus got a serious headache. All the mountain gods, including Apollo, tried to treat him effectively, and the result was in vain. Zeus, the father of gods and mankind, had to ask hephaestus, the god of fire, to open his head. The Vulcans did it. To the surprise of the Olympians, an elegant and determined goddess came out of the cracked head, radiant and graceful. She is Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, the patron saint of Athens.

The legend that Athena became the patron saint of Athens is related to the struggle between the goddess and Poseidon. When Athens was first built by Phoenicians, Poseidon and Athena competed for the honor of naming it. Finally reach an agreement; The man who can provide the most useful things for mankind will become the patron saint of the city. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and made a war horse. On the other hand, Athena became an olive tree-a symbol of peace and prosperity. Because war horses are considered to represent war and sorrow, Athens is named after the goddess. The goddess soon put the city under her protection.

Athena is the god of art, craft and women's handiwork. Her hands are dexterous and she can't stand the challenge of others. A Lydia girl named Aleckney seems to look down on Athena's ability and often boasts that she can beat the goddess Athena if she has the chance. In a rage, the goddess dressed up as an old woman and advised Aleckney to be modest. But the ignorant woman craftsman bravely challenged her. The goddess took off her disguise and accepted the challenge. Two women immediately set out to create their own works. The pattern designed by the goddess tells the story of her struggle with Poseidon, while Alekney weaves a fine net. After that, Aleckney was surprised to find that he lost, because the goddess' work was much better. She was so ashamed that she hanged herself with silk thread. But before she died, the goddess turned her into a spider and let her knit forever.