Who was the Greek goddess of wisdom?
Quick answer
Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, as well as strategic warfare, crafts and weaving. One of the twelve Olympian gods, she was the patron goddess of Athens, which is named after her. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree. The Romans called her Minerva.
Key facts
- Goddess of
- Wisdom, strategic war, crafts, weaving
- Parents
- Zeus (and the Titaness Metis)
- Symbols
- Owl, olive tree, helmet, spear, aegis shield
- Roman name
- Minerva
Her unusual birth
Zeus was warned that his wife Metis would bear a child more powerful than him, so he swallowed her. Later, Zeus had a terrible headache. Hephaestus split his head open with an axe, and Athena sprang out fully grown and dressed in armor.
How Athens got its name
Athena and Poseidon, god of the sea, both wanted to be patron of a new city. Each offered a gift:
| God | Gift |
|---|---|
| Poseidon | Struck a rock to create a saltwater spring |
| Athena | Planted the first olive tree, providing food, oil and wood |
The citizens chose Athena’s more useful gift, and the city became Athens. Her great temple, the Parthenon, still stands on the Acropolis; see what temple stands on the Acropolis.
Athena vs Ares
Both were gods of war, but very different:
| Athena | Ares | |
|---|---|---|
| Kind of war | Strategy, defense, discipline | Violence, bloodlust, chaos |
| Popularity | Widely honored | Often disliked |
Myths featuring Athena
- She helped heroes such as Perseus, who beheaded Medusa, and Odysseus on his long journey home.
- She turned Arachne, a proud weaver who challenged her, into a spider.
- She placed Medusa’s head on her shield, the aegis.
Why the owl?
The little owl (Athene noctua) was linked with Athena and became a symbol of wisdom. Ancient Athenian silver coins showed Athena on one side and her owl on the other.
For another hero who received help from the gods, see who defeated the Minotaur. For a Titan punished by Zeus, read about Atlas.
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