The Great Greek Myths | Athena: Armed Wisdom (Episode 10)

Episode 10: The Goddess of War Athena was the wisest, most level headed and rational deity. She was born out of Zeus’ skull, wearing a helmet and holding a spear. She was the protector of heroes, the State, and mankind, to whom she passed on many inventions.

She was also a very beautiful woman, who attracted a great deal of attention, including that of the lame god Hephaestus. She regularly clashed with her arch-rival Poseidon. At Poseidon’s expense, she won the vote of the people of Athens. Athena experienced jealousy on just the one occasion: the young woman Arachne, an expert weaver, claimed she could weave better than anybody else – including Athena. For a God, even the highly reasonable Athena, this proved difficult to bear.