Athena was the Greek Goddess of many ideas, but she was famous mostly for her superior wisdom, her cunning skills in times of war, and her implausible talent for household tasks, such as weaving and pottery. She was celebrated more than any other God in ancient mythology, was the supposed inventor of countless innovations, and her figure gave reason for Greek woman to gain rights long before others of their time. The goddess of war, the guardian of Athens, and the defender of Heroes; Athena’s impact on the lives of Ancient Greeks is outstanding. As a resident on Mount Olympus, Athena rightfully represents both intelligence and strategy (Grant, Hazel 83). Symbols that identify with the goddess include the owl for wisdom and the olive branch for peace (Athena or Minerva… 1). Athena was a goddess of war who preferred peace to fighting (Lies 47). The deity was depicted in full wartime armor, including a helmet and spear. However, despite her rough accessories, Athena also showed off extreme femininity in her clothing as well as features (Buxton 79). Athena was Zeus’s favorite daughter. Zeus, the king of the gods, allowed her to dress in his Aegis (Lies 47). The Aegis was a breastplate made of goatskin that bore the image of a gorgon to instill panic in foes (Buxton 79). She was born fully-grown and already dressed in her full outfit, ready for war. Furthermore, Athena was the only Olympian not born of a mother. She sprang directly from her father, Zeus’s, head (Lies 47). She was different from the others of her kind, which may be why she was so honored so highly in early Greece. Festivals, Temples, even a city where named after the goddess. Athena’s key festivals included the Arrephonia, the Scriophonia, and the Panathehea. The A... ... middle of paper ... ...t. • George, Roy. "The Goddess Athena." The Shrine of the Goddess Athena. 1998. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. . • Grant, Michael, and John Hazel. "Athena." Gods and Mortals in Classical Mythology. Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam, 1973. Print. • Lies, Betty Bonham. "The Wise Goddess Athena." Earth's Daughters: Stories of Women in Classical Mythology. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Resources, 1999. Print. • Stebbins, Elinor. "Athena." Sweet Briar College { History of Art Program }. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. . • "Unhandled Exception." Ancient Greece - History, Mythology, Art, War, Culture, Society, and Architecture. 2008. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. . • Wilkinson, Philip, and Neil Philip. Mythology. London: DK Pub., 2007. Print.
In learning about the feminist movement, we studied the three articles and discussed and reviewed the different authors perspectives on the topic and learned how important the role of woman in Greek Mythology. In presenting the feminist theory to the class we analyzed the three articles, Women in Ancient Greece; Women in Antiquity: New Assessments; and Women in Greek Myth, and discussed how although the three articles provided different views on Feminism in mythology, they all essentially are aiming to teach the same basic concept.
This paper will discuss the well published work of, Pomeroy, Sarah B. Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity. New York: Schocken, 1975. Print. Sarah B. Pomerory uses this book to educate others about the role women have played throughout ancient history. Pomerory uses a timeline to go through each role, starting with mythological women, who were called Goddesses. She then talks about some common roles, the whores, wives, and slaves during this time. Pomerory enlightens the audience on the topic of women, who were seen as nothing at the time. Men were seen as the only crucial part in history; however, Pomerory’s focus on women portrays the era in a new light.
The Greeks believed the deities provided the city protection and allowed them to be successful in their endeavors while in time of war. Phidias, a master bronze worker, was commissioned to create the sculpture of Athena Parthenos, the goddess of wisdom to show tribute to the gods by creating a large scale sculpture in Acropolis. The Acropolis was the most important site in the city of Athens, and was well recognized as the hilltop of protection. It is also the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture as well as the symbol of the city of Athens. Some of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.
"Statuette of a standing maiden [Etruscan] (17.190.2066) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.
Women’s life in Ancient Athens is a widely researched subject. In the book “Goddesses, Whores, Wives and Slaves” Sarah B. Pomeroy describes in detail women in Ancient Greece. She also arises the question of the difference between the image of obedient and repressed women in Greek society and the forceful heroines of Greek Tragedy. “A number of scholars find a direct relationship between real women living in Classical Athens and the heroines of trag...
Pomeroy, Sarah B. Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity. New York: Schocken Books, 1995.
Athena is the goddess of wisdom and one of the three virgin goddesses (D’Aulaire 34; Hamilton 30). Athena is also a “fierce and ruthless battle-goddess”; however, she is only described as such in situations where she must protect the State and home from invaders (Hamilton 29). As a battle goddess, Athena represents victory in battle through glory and honor (Jordan 28). Athena is also known for her self control and discipline against the more unruly gods, such as Hermes and Poseidon (Jordan 37). One of Athena’s biggest personality traits is her pride, which is best shown in the tale of Arachne (D’Aulaire 36). Arachne is a mortal who is skilled at weaving and claims that she is even better than the goddess Athena. Athena confronts her and they
As the goddess of war, Athena also took part in various of battles. One of the many battles she
Athena, goddess of wisdom and skill was admired by many ancient Greeks. Her symbol is an owl, the bird of wisdom. Being the patron goddess of Athens, her owl is found on Athenian silver coins (Carr, Karen). Since Athena is a war goddess, she is normally portrayed in art by wearing a gold helmet, armour while holding a spear and shield. Athena has been Zeus’ favorite child since she was born, and for this, she had great power (Cartwright).
...r. "Ancient Greece." Gardner's art through the ages the western perspective. 13th ed., Backpack ed. Boston, Mass.: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. 101, 123,129. Print.
Many people have heard or read Greek and Roman goddess myths in literature classes or as part of modern fiction. Yet many of us are completely unaware of the thousands of goddess stories that have been told in cultures around the world from a few millennia ago to current day. These stories have persisted because they have important lessons about basic human needs and conditions. They also open our hearts to recognizing the importance of the divine feminine spirit in a world often dominated by masculine energy.
Two of the better known goddesses of Greek mythology are Aphrodite and Athena. Aphrodite is the goddess of love, and she is known as a very passionate character (Bolton 60). She is described as generous and benevolent in everything she does and to everyone she meets. Despite her appearance, she enjoys intervening in other humans, gods, and even goddesses’s lives (60). However, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, crafts and skills, and was held highly by mortal and immortals alike (Bolton 58). Unlike her brother, she is not bloodthirsty, and would rather see peace among friends than war
"Greek Gods and Goddesses: Ares – Facts and Information." Interesting Information for Kids, Pupils, Parents and Teachers. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2014. .
First of all, one of the most impressive accomplishments of Ancient Greece is the extraordinary structure of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The Parthenon is one of the most inspiring works of architecture known to humankind. The Parthenon is like the crown jewel of Athens. It is named after the mighty goddess Athena Nike Parthenos daughter of Zeus. She is the goddess of war, wisdom, and heroism. The Goddess Athena is one of the more significant goddess’s in the Greek religion. Athena is the great influential goddess of knowledge, the different arts and skills of women, which contains weaving, cooking or spinning, and the goddess of war or battle. The entire city of Athens is also called after her. The original building on the site was built as an offering to prestige the goddess Athena because the people of ancient Athens thought that she watched over their city. The Parthenon is a lovely work of art that displays the powerful and confident spirit of the Athenians. It is quite a site to see with a lot of history
Athena is the greek goddess of wisdom, skill and warfare. She was regarded as the virgin patroness of the great city of Athens. Known for her immense intelligence and strategic thinking, as well as her caring and compassionate nature, Athena led many victories with few casulaties, a stark contrast to the war god, Ares. Despite both Ares and Athena being gods of war, the two had very different motives. Athena’s moral and military superiority to Ares is seen in the fact that she represented the intellectual and civilized side of war and the virtues of justice and skill, whereas Ares represented mere blood lust and violence. For example, Athena only participated in wars that defended the state and home from outside enemies. In battle, Athena exemplifies many of her traits. Her wisdom is utlized in methodical planning, her skill in battle leaving few casualities. Athena represents the perfect balance of intelligence and warfare grit.