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Athena or Minerva |
| Athena, Pallas (Greek) -
Minerva (Roman): Goddess of wisdom. Daughter of Zeus. Symbols: Owl, olive, weaving, breastplate. Sprang fully formed from the head of Zeus. Watched over governments, and guarded wise rulers. She wore Medusa's head on her breastplate, and guarded virgins. She was also good at weaving. She had a contest with Neptune to bring a gift of most benefit to mankind. The winner would have a city named after them in Attica. Neptune produced the horse. Pallas Athena produced the olive tree. The city was named Athens. Later, she was also challenged by Arachne to a weaving contest. Athena won, and changed Arachne into a spider. |