Athena is the ancient Greek Goddess of war, wisdom, and crafting. She had many different names, from Ergane as the patron deity of weaving, to Polias as a palace goddess and defender of cities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where did she come from? How do you know if she’s calling out to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athena, known to the Romans as Minerva, was born from the forehead of her father, Zeus. In the most commonly told version of this story, Zeus has a wife before Hera named Metis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metis is the goddess of wisdom and cunning, and is as invaluable to him as a counselor as she is as a partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, Zeus receives a prophecy that Metis will give birth to two children — the first, a daughter even wiser than her mother. The second, a son even more powerful than his father. This second child would eventually overthrow Zeus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Needless to say, Zeus isn’t thrilled by this news. It also comes at a bad time, since Metis’ first pregnancy was already well underway. Zeus frets over the prophecy before coming up with a solution: a shape-shifting game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both gods challenge each other to change forms. Finally, Zeus turns himself into a tiny mouse and proclaims that Metis could never become smaller than that. Metis, in response, turns herself into a fly. Thinking quickly, Zeus swallows the fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metis’ pregnancy continues within her husband. With so much time on her hands, she takes the opportunity to sit down and craft a beautiful shield, spear, and armor for her coming daughter. She gives birth to the baby and begins raising her inside of Zeus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Zeus develops a splitting headache. Desperate to relieve the pain, he allows Hephaestus to crack open his skull and ease the pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fully-grown Athena, radiant in the armor her mother made her, emerges from his forehead to take her place among the other Olympians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n