Primary religions are quite similar in their founding. The Ancient Roman, Greek and Hindu culture depict Gods and Goddesses who possess similar kinds of powers but only differ in name. Athena was the Greek Goddess of War, Wisdom and Crafts. She was also the patroness of the ancient city of Athens. Her Roman counterpart was Minerva which is why they share similar powers.

Most Greek gods and goddesses are born of Zeus, the God of Thunder and Lightning and Athena or Athene.

Here are some interesting facts about Athena’s birth and later life.

Born of Zeus and Metis, a nymph (some sources quote her to be Queen), she came out of Zeus’ head in full body armour.

When Metis was pregnant with Athena, Zeus had heard a prophecy that the second child borne by Metis would usurp his position. To prevent her from bearing a second child, he swallowed her whole.

After the deed, Zeus felt guilty and asked Hephaistos the Smith God or Prometheus (different traditions say different versions of the story) to cut open his head at the birthing time of Athena. It was done with an axe.

Athena was an appreciator of wit, valour and ingenuity and helped Hercules, Perseus and Jason in their pursuits.

She aided Perseus slay Medusa the Gorgon whose sight turned men to stone. After Perseus was successful, he presented Medusa’s head to Athena who wore it on her aegis. Aegis was a goatskin shield that Athena wore. It was decorated with snakes along the border.

The Goddess of Wisdom helped to curb the rampage that Hercules went on after going insane. He had killed his children and just as he was about to kill his father, Athena hit him on the head with a stone, rendering him unconscious. Her effort helped to save Amphitryon.

She provided Hercules with the Krotala to scare the Stymphalian birds away. She was of great help to him in his times of Labours.

The other Greek heroes whom she favoured were Cadmus and Bellerophon. She helped make the Wooden Horse and Argo.

Well respected from all quarters, she had her shrine in the city of Athens in the Parthenon.

She sided with the Greeks during the Trojan War and particularly encouraged Odysseus’ wit and bravery. She was angry with Paris for not choosing her and hence she decided to be on the side of Greece, despite having a shrine with Hera in Troy.

Not only was she a feared Goddess of War, but her influence also lay in women’s household crafts, especially in weaving.

The owl is her pet and the Olive Branch that she carries was her gift to the city of Attica.

A number of olden days sculptures depict her as a War Goddess, wrapped in battle gear and the aegis.

Her birthing story is a favourite among painters of Grecian vases.

Athena was one of the most respected and feared goddesses of olden day Greece. Her stories and legends are well known throughout the world. Artistry depiction of her stories can be found on paintings and sculptures.