The birth of Athena

Zeus' first wife was Metis, the goddess of knowledge. Before Athena was born, Zeus was told that any child born to Metis would be more powerful than their father. This alarmed Zeus, who resolved to devour Metis before she could give birth to the child. Metis, on the other hand, was already pregnant at the time, and the child grew inside Zeus. Then, one day, Zeus had a severe headache and ordered the labrys, a double-headed Minoan axe, to be used to open his head. As a result, Athena was born, fully grown and armed, from her father's forehead. Athena grew up to be Zeus' favorite daughter and one of the most powerful goddesses. She was the patroness and protector of a number of Greek cities, notably Athens, the city from which she derives her name.

Athena is frequently portrayed with symbols, such as the shield and sword with which she is said to have been born. An owl is also a representation of Athena, as the owl signifies Athena's wisdom. Through her father, Zeus, Athena had a large number of half-siblings. The Olympian gods Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Dionysus are among these half-siblings.