Plot Summary: Athena carried Zeus's thunderbolt and his great breastplate, called the Aegis. As the goddess of war, Athena, defeated the war god Ares. Athena preferred peace, and would rather settle disputes by judgment than by fighting. She was the exact opposite of Ares who loved to battle, slaughter enemies, and destroy cities. Athena's intelligence and strategy in battle made her stronger than Ares. Athena took deep interest in the affairs of mortals. She tended to use her power to make life better for the humans she cared for.
Athena once competed with Poseidon, god of seas, over who should rule the greatest city in the world. Other gods and goddess were judges. Poseidon and Athena each preformed a miraculous act on the heights of Acropolis, the new city. Poseidon made salt water come out of a mountain. Athena grew a tall olive tree, loaded with fruit. Since the olive tree was more useful than salt water, Athena won. She named the city Athens in her honor.
Athena protected the city and all civilized life. She brought innumerable gifts to earth for the benefit of the mortals. She invented the flute for pleasure and the earthenware bowl for convenience. Athena improved farming by inventing the plow, rake and a bridle for horses.
During the Trojan War, many Olympians picked sides between the Trojans and Greeks. Athena picked the Greeks and helped them. She watched after Odysseus during his ten-year journey home from war, offering him advice and assistance.
Athena defines heroism by showing courage for standing firm for what is right. She serves as a model for all women. The divine protector of human civilization, goddess of war who preferred peace, the judge who believed in mercy was indeed a gracious goddess, and a wise one.
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