Athena is the daughter of Zeus and Metis and perhaps one of the most well known gods of all the Olympians. She is highly mentioned in Greek mythology due to her many extraordinary tales, one being that of her birth. Upon hearing a prophecy that Zeus' child with Metis will one day overpower him, to avoid this, he subsequently swallowed pregnant Metis whole. After many headaches however, Athena then sprung from Zeus' head, fully clad in armour. Despite the prophecy, Zeus loved Athena, potentially more than any of his other twenty-five children.
Athena was a force to be reckoned with. All the gods feared her, including Ares, and sought her aid and advice when needed.
In art, she is portrayed as a beautiful, majestic woman who emanates power. Usually there is an owl flying around her, symbolising her wisdom, and she carries her father's aegis (shield) with a gorgon's head engraved on it.
The city of Athens is thought to be named after her as she is its patron goddess.
Athena's symbols: owls, olive trees, the aegis, armour.
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