Athena's Symbolic Bird Was An Owl

In Greek mythology, Athena frequently traveled with a little owl (Athene noctua), which she carried on her shoulder. It reflected her knowledge and wisdom while also revealing facts to her. Because owls can see in the dark, they were utilized as a symbol to enlighten Athena's "blind side" and enable her to see the whole truth. Seeing owls before a fight was seen by Greek troops as a sign that the goddess was on their side because owls were also frequently connected to Athena's benediction.

The "Owl of Athena" is frequently shown in Attic art, including vases, and it later caught on in other Greek city-states. Additionally, the owl emblem of Athena was employed as coinage in the city, with coins bearing the emblem on their backsides. The owl was still seen as a representation of intelligence in Ancient Rome, where owls were linked to the goddess Minerva, who was the Roman version of Athena. The owl has been adopted as a sign of knowledge, intelligence, perspicacity, and erudition across the western world, possibly as a result of its link with Athena.