The myth of Athena, the goddess of just war

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The myth of Athena, who for the Romans was Minerva, was one of the most widespread in the ancient world. It is believed that she is the Greek goddess with the most representations in the world, since her figure appears in Greece, Asia Minor, India, North Africa and even Latin America.

The myth of Athena is one of the most beautiful in Greek mythology and tells us about a goddess who seems to contain a paradox in herself: He was the divinity of wisdom, but at the same time of war. That makes her a very unique character.

The Greeks thought there were two types of war.. A wild and barbaric era, inspired by anger and revenge. That type of war was ruled by Ares. At the same time, there was another type of confrontation that occurred for just causes and was guided by intelligence. That second idea is what gives rise to the myth of Athena.

That deity was also called “protector of civilizations” and, in particular, of Athens, which derives from her name. The myth of Athena emphasizes the idea that there is a legitimate use of force in certain circumstances. Also that this use must comply with the principles of justice and must be guided by reason.

“War makes the victor stupid and the vanquished spiteful.”.

-Friedrich Nietzsche-

The origin of the myth of Athena

The birth of the goddess is one of the most beautiful episodes of the myth of Athena. Zeus’s first wife was Metis, a Titaness who is considered the personification of prudence and cunning, but also of perfidy. It is said that Uranus and Gaea prophesied that the couple would have two children and that one of them would dethrone Zeus.

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Fearing the prophecy, Zeus himself swallowed his wife and lover as soon as he knew she was pregnant. Some time later, the god of thunder began to feel horrible headaches. He then asked Hephaestus, god of fire and blacksmithing, to help him. He took a double-bladed ax and opened the god’s head.

To everyone’s surprise, From the wound came the goddess Athena, who was already an adult and came armed into the world. The first thing she did was give a war cry and since it came from the head of the king of Olympus, it was assumed that his greatest gift was wisdom. Athena became the favorite daughter of Zeus, who was always attentive to help her.

Athens and the eyes of the owl

Athens was the jewel in the crown of Greece and the gods vied for the privilege of being its regent. The myth tells of Athena who finally she and the god Poseidon They entered into competition to become the protectors of that polis. Poseidon gifted the inhabitants a lake, which he formed when he struck the earth with his trident. However, the waters were salty, so they were not of much use to the settlers.

Athena, on the other hand, planted an olive tree and taught the secrets of its cultivation to the Athenians. The fruit was highly valued and was also considered a symbol of peace. Therefore, without hesitation, The settlers decided that the city would be ruled by the goddess Athena.

After this, the goddess taught them how to extract olive oil, increasing the prosperity of the city. She also assured them that she would always keep an eye on them through the leaves of the plant. The Greeks thought that the moon reflected in the leaves of the olive tree was a sign that the goddess was watching them. Later, They believed that it took the form of an owl and that is why they associated that animal with wisdom.

The virgin goddess

The myth of Athena states that This goddess decided to remain a virgin for all eternity, but she also required that those who venerated her in her temple make a similar vow. Otherwise, they would be punished and expelled. There was a beautiful maiden who was devoted to her worship; Her beauty was so much that she unleashed an uncontrollable desire in Poseidon.