Athena, also known as Tritogeneia and in latin term as Minerva

• Apollodorus
• Apollonius Rhodius
• Claudian
• Diodorus Siculus
• Hesiod
• Homer
• Homeric hymns
• Hyginus
• Ovid
• Pausanias

APOLLODORUS, LIBRARY, Book 1, translated by J. G. FRAZER

[1.3.6] Zeus had intercourse with Metis, who turned into many shapes in order to avoid his embraces. When she was with child, Zeus, taking time by the forelock, swallowed her, because Earth said that, after giving birth to the maiden who was then in her womb, Metis would bear a son who should be the lord of heaven. From fear of that Zeus swallowed her. And when the time came for the birth to take place, Prometheus or, as others say, Hephaestus, smote the head of Zeus with an axe, and Athena, fully armed, leaped up from the top of his head at the river Triton.

[1.6.1] ...But Zeus forbade the Dawn and the Moon and the Sun to shine, and then, before anybody else could get it, he culled the simple himself, and by means of Athena summoned Hercules to his help. Hercules first shot Alcyoneus with an arrow, but when the giant fell on the ground he somewhat revived. However, at Athena's advice Hercules dragged him outside Pallene, and so the giant died.

[1.6.2] ...Enceladus fled, but Athena threw on him in his flight the island of Sicily; and she flayed Pallas and used his skin to shield her own body in the fight...

[1.9.16] ...Sent to fetch the fleece, Jason called in the help of Argus, son of Phrixus; and Argus, by Athena's advice, built a ship of fifty oars named Argo after its builder; and at the prow Athena fitted in a speaking timber from the oak of Dodona...

[1.9.23] ... These were two wild bulls that he had, of enormous size, a gift of Hephaestus; they had brazen feet and puffed fire from their mouths. These creatures Aeetes ordered him(Jason) to yoke and to sow dragon's teeth; for he had got from Athena half of the dragon's teeth which Cadmus sowed in Thebes...

APOLLODORUS, LIBRARY, Book 2, translated by J. G. FRAZER

[2.1.4] ...As they afterwards quarrelled concerning the kingdom, Danaus feared the sons of Egyptus, and by the advice of Athena he built a ship, being the first to do so, and having put his daughters on board he fled. And touching at Rhodes he set up the image of Lindian Athena.

[2.1.5] ...When they had got their brides by lot, Danaus made a feast and gave his daughters daggers; and they slew their bridegrooms as they slept, all but Hypermnestra; for she saved Lynceus because he had respected her virginity: wherefore Danaus shut her up and kept her under ward. But the rest of the daughters of Danaus buried the heads of their bridegrooms in Lerna and paid funeral honors to their bodies in front of the city; and Athena and Hermes purified them at the command of Zeus...

[2.4.2] ...Now Perseus having declared that he would not stick even at the Gorgon's head, Polydectes required the others to furnish horses, and not getting horses from Perseus ordered him to bring the Gorgon's head. So under the guidance of Hermes and Athena he made his way to the daughters of Phorcus, to wit, Enyo, Pephredo, and Dino; for Phorcus had them by Ceto, and they were sisters of the Gorgons, and old women from their birth...So Perseus stood over them as they slept, and while Athena guided his hand and he looked with averted gaze on a brazen shield, in which he beheld the image of the Gorgon, he beheaded her...

[2.4.3] ...he(Perseus) gave back the sandals and the wallet (kibisis) and the cap to Hermes, but the Gorgon's head he gave to Athena. Hermes restored the aforesaid things to the nymphs and Athena inserted the Gorgon's head in the middle of her shield. But it is alleged by some that Medusa was beheaded for Athena's sake; and they say that the Gorgon was fain to match herself with the goddess even in beauty.

[2.4.11] ...But Hercules, having received weapons from Athena and taken the command, killed Erginus, put the Minyans to flight, and compelled them to pay double the tribute to the Thebans...Having first learned from Eurytus the art of archery, Hercules received a sword from Hermes, a bow and arrows from Apollo, a golden breastplate from Hephaestus, and a robe from Athena; for he had himself cut a club at Nemea.

[2.5.6] The sixth labour he enjoined on him was to chase away the Stymphalian birds. Now at the city of Stymphalus in Arcadia was the lake called Stymphalian, embosomed in a deep wood. To it countless birds had flocked for refuge, fearing to be preyed upon by the wolves. So when Hercules was at a loss how to drive the birds from the wood, Athena gave him brazen castanets, which she had received from Hephaestus. By clashing these on a certain mountain that overhung the lake, he scared the birds.

[2.5.11] ...And having brought the apples he gave them to Eurystheus. But he, on receiving them, bestowed them on Hercules, from whom Athena got them and conveyed them back again; for it was not lawful that they should be laid down anywhere.

[2.7.1] ...And Hercules was wounded in the battle by Chalcedon; but Zeus snatched him away, so that he took no harm. And having laid waste Cos, he came through Athena's agency to Phlegra, and sided with the gods in their victorious war on the giants.

[2.7.3] ...But Hercules had received from Athena a lock of the Gorgon's hair in a bronze jar and gave it to Sterope, daughter of Cepheus, saying that if an army advanced against the city, she was to hold up the lock of hair thrice from the walls, and that, provided she did not look before her, the enemy would be turned to flight.

[2.7.4] Passing by Tegea, Hercules debauched Auge, not knowing her to be a daughter of Aleus. And she brought forth her babe secretly and deposited it in the precinct of Athena.

APOLLODORUS, LIBRARY, Book 3, translated by J. G. FRAZER

[3.4.1] ...And after traversing Boeotia, it sank down where is now the city of Thebes. Wishing to sacrifice the cow to Athena, he sent some of his companions to draw water from the spring of Ares. But a dragon, which some said was the offspring of Ares, guarded the spring and destroyed most of those that were sent. In his indignation Cadmus killed the dragon, and by the advice of Athena sowed its teeth...

[3.4.2] But Cadmus, to atone for the slaughter, served Ares for an eternal year; and the year was then equivalent to eight years of our reckoning. After his servitude Athena procured for him the kingdom, and Zeus gave him to wife Harmonia.

[3.6.7] Now there was among the Thebans a soothsayer, Tiresias, son of Everes and a nymph Chariclo, of the family of Udaeus, the Spartan, and he had lost the sight of his eyes. Different stories are told about his blindness and his power of soothsaying. For some say that he was blinded by the gods because he revealed their secrets to men. But Pherecydes says that he was blinded by Athena; for Chariclo was dear to Athena . . . and Tiresias saw the goddess stark naked, and she covered his eyes with her hands, and so rendered him sightless...

[3.6.8] ...And Melanippus, the remaining one of the sons of Astacus, wounded Tydeus in the belly. As he lay half dead, Athena brought a medicine which she had begged of Zeus, and by which she intended to make him immortal. But Amphiaraus hated Tydeus for thwarting him by persuading the Argives to march to Thebes; so when he perceived the intention of the goddess he cut off the head of Melanippus and gave it to Tydeus, who, wounded though he was, had killed him. And Tydeus split open the head and gulped up the brains. But when Athena saw that, in disgust she grudged and withheld the intended benefit...

[3.10.3] As she(Coronis) was burning, he(Apollo) snatched the babe(Asclepius) from the pyre and brought it to Chiron, the centaur, by whom he was brought up and taught the arts of healing and hunting. And having become a surgeon, and carried the art to a great pitch, he not only prevented some from dying, but even raised up the dead; for he had received from Athena the blood that flowed from the veins of the Gorgon, and while he used the blood that flowed from the veins on the left side for the bane of mankind, he used the blood that flowed from the right side for salvation, and by that means he raised the dead.

[3.12.3] ...The story told about the Palladium is as follows: They say that when Athena was born she was brought up by Triton, who had a daughter Pallas; and that both girls practised the arts of war, but that once on a time they fell out; and when Pallas was about to strike a blow, Zeus in fear interposed the aegis, and Pallas, being startled, looked up, and so fell wounded by Athena. And being exceedingly grieved for her, Athena made a wooden image in her likeness, and wrapped the aegis, which she had feared, about the breast of it, and set it up beside Zeus and honored it...

[3.14.1] Cecrops, a son of the soil, with a body compounded of man and serpent, was the first king of Attica, and the country which was formerly called Acte he named Cecropia after himself. In his time, they say, the gods resolved to take possession of cities in which each of them should receive his own peculiar worship. So Poseidon was the first that came to Attica, and with a blow of his trident on the middle of the acropolis, he produced a sea which they now call Erechtheis. After him came Athena, and, having called on Cecrops to witness her act of taking possession, she planted an olive tree, which is still shown in the Pandrosium. But when the two strove for possession of the country, Zeus parted them and appointed arbiters, not, as some have affirmed, Cecrops and Cranaus, nor yet Erysichthon, but the twelve gods. And in accordance with their verdict the country was adjudged to Athena, because Cecrops bore witness that she had been the first to plant the olive. Athena, therefore, called the city Athens after herself, and Poseidon in hot anger flooded the Thriasian plain and laid Attica under the sea.

[3.14.6] ...Some say that this Erichthonius was a son of Hephaestus and Atthis, daughter of Cranaus, and some that he was a son of Hephaestus and Athena, as follows: Athena came to Hephaestus, desirous of fashioning arms. But he, being forsaken by Aphrodite, fell in love with Athena, and began to pursue her; but she fled. When he got near her with much ado (for he was lame), he attempted to embrace her; but she, being a chaste virgin, would not submit to him, and he dropped his seed on the leg of the goddess. In disgust, she wiped off the seed with wool and threw it on the ground; and as she fled and the seed fell on the ground, Erichthonius was produced. Him Athena brought up unknown to the other gods, wishing to make him immortal; and having put him in a chest, she committed it to Pandrosus, daughter of Cecrops, forbidding her to open the chest. But the sisters of Pandrosus opened it out of curiosity, and beheld a serpent coiled about the babe; and, as some say, they were destroyed by the serpent, but according to others they were driven mad by reason of the anger of Athena and threw themselves down from the acropolis. Having been brought up by Athena herself in the precinct, Erichthonius expelled Amphictyon and became king of Athens; and he set up the wooden image of Athena in the acropolis, and instituted the festival of the Panathenaea...

APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, ARGONAUTICA, Book 1, translated by R. C. SEATON

[105] Tiphys, son of Hagnias, left the Siphaean people of the Thespians, well skilled to foretell the rising wave on the broad sea, and well skilled to infer from sun and star the stormy winds and the time for sailing. Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome comrade. She herself too fashioned the swift ship; and with her Argus, son of Arestor, wrought it by her counsels. Wherefore it proved the most excellent of all ships that have made trial of the sea with oars.

[224] No, nor had Acastus son of mighty Pelias himself any will to stay behind in the palace of his brave sire, nor Argus, helper of the goddess Athena; but they too were ready to be numbered in the host.

[522] And a strange cry did the harbour of Pagasae utter, yea and Pelian Argo herself, urging them to set forth. For in her a beam divine had been laid which Athena had brought from an oak of Dodona and fitted in the middle of the stem.

APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, ARGONAUTICA, Book 2, translated by R. C. SEATON

[537] Nor did they start unmarked by Athena, but straightway swiftly she set her feel on a light cloud, which would waft her on, mighty though she was, and she swept on to the sea with friendly thoughts to the oarsmen. And as when one roveth far from his native land, as we men often wander with enduring heart, nor is any land too distant but all ways are clear to his view, and he sees in mind his own home, and at once the way over sea and land seems slain, and swiftly thinking, now this way, now that, he strains with eager eyes; so swiftly the daughter of Zeus darted down and set her foot on the cheerless shore of Thynia.

[593] Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the ship like a cylinder ran on the furious wave plunging through the hollow sea. And the eddying current held her between the clashing rocks; and on each side they shook and thundered; and the ship's timbers were held fast. Then Athena with her left hand thrust back one mighty rock and with her right pushed the ship through; and she, like a winged arrow, sped through the air. Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly clashing, shore off as she passed the extreme end of the stern-ornament. But Athena soared up to Olympus, when they had escaped unscathed.

[1188] For our ship Athena built and with axe of bronze cut her timbers near the crest of Pelion, and with the goddess wrought Argus.

APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, ARGONAUTICA, Book 3, translated by R. C. SEATON

[6] Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush amid the thick reed-beds; but Hera and Athena took note of them, and, apart from Zeus and the other immortals, entered a chamber and took counsel together; and Hera first made trial of Athena: "Do thou now first, daughter of Zeus, give advice. What must be done? Wilt thou devise some scheme whereby they may seize the golden fleece of Aeetes and bear it to Hellas, or can they deceive the king with soft words and so work persuasion? Of a truth he is terribly overweening. Still it is right to shrink from no endeavour."

[17] Thus she spake, and at once Athena addressed her: "I too was pondering such thoughts in my heart, Hera, when thou didst ask me outright. But not yet do I think that I have conceived a scheme to aid the courage of the heroes, though I have balanced many plans." She ended, and the goddesses fixed their eyes on the ground at their feet, brooding apart; and straightway Hera was the first to speak her thought: "Come, let us go to Cypris; let both of us accost her and urge her to bid her son (if only he will obey) speed his shaft at the daughter of Aeetes, the enchantress, and charm her with love for Jason. And I deem that by her device he will bring back the fleece to Hellas."

[30] Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena, and she addressed her in reply with gentle words: "Hera, my father begat me to be a stranger to the darts of love, nor do I know any charm to work desire. But if the word pleases thee, surely I will follow; but thou must speak when we meet her."

APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, ARGONAUTICA, Book 4, translated by R. C. SEATON

[1308] And there all would have parted from life without a name and unknown to mortal men, those bravest of heroes, with their task unfulfilled; but as they pined in despair, the heroine-nymphs, warders of Libya, had pity on them, they who once found Athena, what time she leapt in gleaming armour from her father's head, and bathed her by Trito's waters.

[1691] For that night there in Crete the heroes lay; then, just as dawn was growing bright, they built a shrine to Minoan Athena, and drew water and went aboard, so that first of all they might by rowing pass beyond Salmone's height.

CLAUDIAN, GIGANTOMACHIA, translated by M. PLATNAUER

[91] Minerva rushed forward presenting her breast whereon glittered the Gorgon’s head. The sight of this, she knew, was enough: she needed not to use a spear. One look sufficed. Pallas drew no nearer, rage as he might, for he was the first to be changed into rock. When, at a distance from his foe, without a wound, he found himself rooted to the ground, and felt the murderous visage turn him, little by little, to stone (and all but stone he was) he called out, “What is happening to me? What is this ice that creeps o’er all my limbs? What is this numbness that holds me prisoner in these marble fetters?” Scarce had he uttered these few words when he was what he feared, and savage Damastor, seeking a weapon wherewith to repel the foe, hurled at them in place of a rock his brother’s stony corpse.

[104] Then Echion, marveling, all ignorant, at his brother’s death, even as he seeks to assail the author of the deed, turned his gaze upon thee, goddess, whom alone no man may see twice. Beaten audacity well deserved its punishment and in death he learned to know the goddess. But Palleneus, mad with anger, turning his eyes aside, rushed at Minerva, striking at her with undirected sword. Nigh at hand the goddess smote him with her sword, and at the same time the snakes froze at the Gorgon’s glance, so that of one body a part was killed by a weapon and a part by a mere look.

DIODORUS SICULUS, LIBRARY OF HISTORY, Book 4, translated by C. H. OLDFATHER

[4.9.6] After Alcmenê had brought forth the babe, fearful of Hera’s jealousy she exposed it at a place which to this time is called after him the Field of Heracles. Now at this very time Athena, approaching the spot in the company of Hera and being amazed at the natural vigour of the child, persuaded Hera to offer it the breast. But when the boy tugged upon her breast with greater violence than would be expected at his age, Hera was unable to endure the pain and cast the babe from her, whereupon Athena took it to its mother and urged her to rear it.

[4.14.3] It would also not be right to overlook the gifts which were bestowed upon Heracles by the gods because of his high achievements. For instance, when he returned from the wars to devote himself to both relaxations and festivals, as well as to feasts and contests, each on of the gods honoured him with appropriate gifts; Athena with a robe, Hephaestus with a war-club and coat of mail, these two gods vying with one another in accordance with the arts they practised, the one with an eye to the enjoyment and delight afford in times of peace, the other looking to his safety amid the perils of war.

DIODORUS SICULUS, LIBRARY OF HISTORY, Book 5, translated by C. H. OLDFATHER

[5.3.4] And both Athena and Artemis, the myth goes on to say, who had made the same choice of maidenhood as had Corê and were reared together with her, joined with her in gathering the flowers, and all of them together wove the robe for their father Zeus. And because of the time they had spent together and their intimacy they all loved this island above any other, and each one of them received for her portion a territory, Athena receiving hers in the region of Himera, where the Nymphs, to please Athena, caused the springs of warm water to gush forth on the occasion of the visit of Heracles to the island, and the natives consecrated a city to her and a plot of ground which to this day is called Athena’s.

[5.49.1] This wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia was the first, we are told, for which the gods provided the marriage-feast, and Demeter, becoming enamoured of Iasion, presented him with the fruit of the corn, Hermes gave a lyre, Athena the renowned necklace and a robe and a flute...

[5.56.5] ...And when the Heliadae attained to manhood they were told by Helius that the first people to offer sacrifices to Athena would ever enjoy the presence of the goddess; and the same thing, we are told, was disclosed by him to the inhabitants of Attica.

[5.58.3] Now Cadmus honoured likewise Lindian Athena with votive offerings, one of which was a striking bronze cauldron worked after the ancient manner, and this carried an inscription in Phoenician letters, which, men say, were first brought from Phoenicia to Greece.

[5.72.3] Athena, the myths relate, was likewise begotten of Zeus in Crete, at the sources of the river Triton, this being the reason why she has been given the name Tritogeneia. And there stands, even to this day, at these sources a temple which is sacred to this goddess, at the spot where the myth relates that her birth took place.

[5.72.5] To Zeus also were born, they say, the goddesses Aphroditê and the Graces, Eileithyia and her helper Artemis, the Hours, as they are called, Eunomia and Dikê and Eirenê, and Athena and the Muses, and the gods Hephaestus and Ares and Apollo, and Hermes and Dionysus and Heracles.

[5.73.7] To Athena men ascribe the gift to mankind of the domestication and cultivation of the olive-tree, as well as the preparation of its fruit; for before the birth of this goddess this kind of tree was found only along with the other wild woody growths, and this goddess is the source of the care and experience which men even to this day devote to these trees.

[5.73.8] Furthermore, Athena introduced among mankind the making of clothing and carpentry and many of the devices which are used in the other arts; and she also was the discoverer of the making of pipes and of the music which they produce and, in a word, of many works of cunning device, from which she derives her name of Worker.

HESIOD, THEOGONY, translated by H. G. EVELYN-WHITE

[568] Forthwith he made an evil thing for men as the price of fire; for the very famous Limping God formed of earth the likeness of a shy maiden(Pandora) as the son of Cronos willed. And the goddess bright-eyed Athene girded and clothed her with silvery raiment, and down from her head she spread with her hands a broidered veil, a wonder to see; and she, Pallas Athene, put about her head lovely garlands, flowers of new-grown herbs. Also she put upon her head a crown of gold which the very famous Limping God made himself and worked with his own hands as a favour to Zeus his father.

[886] Now Zeus, king of the gods, made Metis his wife first, and she was wisest among gods and mortal men. But when she was about to bring forth the goddess bright-eyed Athene, Zeus craftily deceived her with cunning words and put her in his own belly, as Earth and starry Heaven advised. For they advised him so, to the end that no other should hold royal sway over the eternal gods in place of Zeus; for very wise children were destined to be born of her, first the maiden bright-eyed Tritogeneia, equal to her father in strength and in wise understanding; but afterwards she was to bear a son of overbearing spirit, king of gods and men. But Zeus put her into his own belly first, that the goddess might devise for him both good and evil.

[929a-t] But Hera was very angry and quarrelled with her mate. And because of this strife she bare without union with Zeus who holds the aegis a glorious son, Hephaestus, who excelled all the sons of Heaven in crafts. But Zeus lay with the fair- cheeked daughter of Ocean and Tethys apart from Hera . . . ((lacuna)) deceiving Metis (Thought) although she was full wise. But he seized her with his hands and put her in his belly, for fear that she might bring forth something stronger than his thunderbolt: therefore did Zeus, who sits on high and dwells in the aether, swallow her down suddenly. But she straightway conceived Pallas Athene: and the father of men and gods gave her birth by way of his head on the banks of the river Trito. And she remained hidden beneath the inward parts of Zeus, even Metis, Athena's mother, worker of righteousness, who was wiser than gods and mortal men. There the goddess (Athena) received that whereby she excelled in strength all the deathless ones who dwell in Olympus, she who made the host-scaring weapon of Athena. And with it (Zeus) gave her birth, arrayed in arms of war.

HESIOD, WORKS AND DAYS, translated by H. G. EVELYN-WHITE

[60] So said the father of men and gods, and laughed aloud. And he bade famous Hephaestus make haste and mix earth with water and to put in it the voice and strength of human kind, and fashion a sweet, lovely maiden-shape, like to the immortal goddesses in face; and Athene to teach her needlework and the weaving of the varied web.

[69] So he ordered. And they obeyed the lord Zeus the son of Cronos. Forthwith the famous Lame God moulded clay in the likeness of a modest maid, as the son of Cronos purposed. And the goddess bright-eyed Athene girded and clothed her, and the divine Graces and queenly Persuasion put necklaces of gold upon her, and the rich-haired Hours crowned her head with spring flowers. And Pallas Athene bedecked her form with all manners of finery.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 1, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[205] As Agamemnon spoke, Peleus' son, Achilles, was overwhelmed with anguish, heart torn two ways, debating in his shaggy chest what he should do: Should he draw out the sharp sword on his thigh, incite the crowd, kill Atreus' son, or suppress his rage, control his fury? As he argued in his mind and heart, he slid his huge sword part way from its sheath. At that moment, Athena came down from heaven. White-armed Hera sent her. She cherished both men, cared for them equally. Athena stood behind Achilles, grabbed him by his golden hair, invisible to all except Achilles. In astonishment he turned. At once he recognized Pallas Athena, the dreadful glitter in her eyes. Achilles spoke— his words had wings. “Child of aegis-bearing Zeus, why have you come now? Do you wish to see how overbearing Agamemnon is? I'll tell you where all this is going to lead— that arrogance will soon cost him his life.” The aegis is Zeus’ special shield, the sight of which has the power to terrify men and make them run away. Zeus sometimes lends it to other gods. Glittery-eyed Athena then spoke in reply: “I came down from heaven to curb your passion, if you obey. White-armed Hera sent me. She loves you both alike, cares equally. Give up this quarrel. Don't draw your sword. Fight him with words, so he becomes disgraced. For I say to you, and this will happen, because of Agamemnon's arrogance some day gifts three times greater than this girl will be set down before you. Control yourself. Obey.” Swift-footed Achilles answered Athena: “Goddess, men should follow your instructions, though angry in their hearts. It's better so. The person who's obedient to the gods, the gods attend to all the more.” Obeying Athena's words, Achilles relaxed his huge fist on the silver hilt and pushed the massive sword back in its scabbard. Athena then returned to heaven, home of Zeus, who bears the aegis, and the other gods.

[440] For often I(Achilles) have heard you(Thetis) boast in father's house that you alone of all the deathless gods saved Zeus of the dark clouds from disgraceful ruin, when other Olympians came to tie him up, Hera, Pallas Athena, and Poseidon. But you, goddess(Thetis), came and set him free, by quickly calling up to high Olympus that hundred-handed monster gods call Briareos, and men all name Aigaion, a creature whose strength was greater than his father's. He sat down beside the son of Cronos, exulting in his glory. The sacred gods, afraid, stopped tying up Zeus.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 2, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[178] They yelled orders to each other to grab the ships, drag them to the sacred sea, clear out channels for launching boats, knock out props from underneath, frantic to get home. Heaven echoed with the din. At that point, the Argives might well have gone back— contravening what Fate had proposed for them— if Hera had not spoken to Athena: “Alas, unconquerable child of Zeus, who bears the aegis, the Argives will flee, go back home to their dear native land, cross the wide sea, abandoning Helen, an Argive woman, leaving in triumph Priam and his Trojans. On her account, many Achaeans have perished here in Troy, far from the homes they love. So now, come on, go down to the bronze-clad Achaean troops, use your persuasive power to stop the men hauling their curved ships down into the sea.” So Hera spoke. Bright-eyed goddess Athena obeyed. She sped off, raced down from Mount Olympus' crest, quickly reached Achaea's swift ships, rushing to the spot Odysseus, a man as wise as Zeus, was standing. He'd laid no hand on his fast, black, well-decked ship. His stout heart was filled with pain. Standing close to him, bright-eyed Athena spoke to him: “Odysseus, divinely bred, Laertes’ resourceful son, so you are going to fly back home, sail off to your own dear country. You'll leap into your ships with many oars, and leave in triumph Priam and the Trojans, abandoning Argive Helen, for whose sake so many Achaeans have died here in Troy, far from the homes they love. But come now, move around among Achaean soldiers. Don't hesitate. Persuade each man to stop dragging the curved ships down into the sea.”

[518] Agamemnon, king of men, agreed with Nestor. He ordered clear-voiced heralds immediately to sound the battle call to long-haired Achaeans. The call went out. Troops assembled on the run. Around Agamemnon, kings nurtured by the gods rushed to establish order. With them strode Athena, her eyes glittering, holding up the aegis— her priceless, ageless, eternal aegis, its hundred golden tassels quivering, each finely woven, valued at a hundred oxen. With this, she sped on through Achaean ranks, like lightning, firing soldiers' hearts for war. As she passed, she roused in men that hot desire to fight, to kill. At once she made each man feel war far sweeter than returning home, finer than sailing in the hollow ships back to his dear native land.

[626] Soldiers came from that well-built fortress Athens, land of proud Erechtheus, whom Athena raised, after he was born out of the harvest land. She placed him in Athens, at her own rich shrine.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 4, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[4] Then Zeus, son of Cronos, wishing to irk Hera with a sarcastic speech, addressed them in deviously provoking words: “Menelaus has two goddesses assisting him, Hera of Argos and Athena of Alalcomene. But they sit far away, looking on, enjoying themselves, while Aphrodite, who loves laughter, helps Paris all the time, protecting him from death...“

[78] ”...Instruct Athena to go immediately where Trojans and Achaeans carry on their bitter conflict. There she should try to get the Trojans to break their oaths first, by harming the glorious Achaeans.” Hera spoke. The father of gods and men agreed. He spoke up to Athena—his words had wings. “Go quickly to the Trojan and Achaean troops. Try to get the Trojans to break their oaths first, by injuring the glorious Achaeans.” Zeus' words stirred up Athena's earlier desires. She darted from Olympus summit, sped off, like a comet sent by crooked-minded Cronos' son, a beacon for sailors and the wide race of men, showering sparks behind her as she flew. That's how Pallas Athena shot to earth, then dropped right down into the middle of the soldiers.

[102] Athena went down into the Trojan crowd, looking like Laodocus, Antenor's son, a strong spearman, seeking godlike Pandarus. She met Pandarus, Lycaon's powerful son, a fine man, standing there with his sturdy regiment, shield-bearing troops who'd come from the river Aesopus. Standing near him, Athena spoke. Her words had wings. “Fiery hearted son of Lycaon, why not do as I suggest? Prepare yourself to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaus. You'd earn thanks and glory from all Trojans, most of all from prince Alexander. He'd be the very first to bring fine gifts, if he could see warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, mounted on his bier, his bitter funeral pyre, killed by your arrow. So come, then, shoot an arrow at him— at splendid Menelaus. Promise Apollo, illustrious archer born in Lycia, you'll make fine sacrifice, some new-born lambs, once you get back to your city, holy Zeleia.” Athena spoke and thus swayed his foolish wits.

[151] But, Menelaus, the immortal sacred gods did not forget you. Athena, Zeus' daughter, goddess of war's spoils, was first to stand before you, to ward off the piercing arrow—she brushed it from your skin, just as a mother brushes a fly off her child while he lies sweetly sleeping. Athena led the arrow to the spot where the gold buckles on the belt rest on the joint in the double body armour.

[450] Sent by Achaeans as envoy to Thebes, Tydeus went there. He found Cadmeans feasting in large numbers in the palace, home of great Eteocles. Though a stranger, all by himself in that Cadmean crowd, chariot fighter Tydeus was not afraid. He challenged them in various contests. Athena helped, so he won them all with ease. Horse-breaking Cadmeans were upset with him.

[595] So the fearsome god spoke out from the city. Athena Tritogeneia, mighty Zeus' daughter, rushed among Achaeans, urging companies on, if she saw men holding back, hesitant to fight.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 5, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1] Then Pallas Athena gave Diomedes, son of Tydeus, strength and courage, so among all Argives, he'd stand out and win heroic glory. She made his helmet blaze with tireless flames, his shield as well—like a late star in summer which shines especially bright, newly risen from its bath in Ocean's streams. Around his head and shoulders the goddess put a fiery glow, then drove him forward, right into the middle of the strife, the killing zone, where most warriors fight.

[32] Then Athena, eyes glittering, took her brother, headstrong Ares, by the hand, and said to him: “Ares, Ares, insatiable man-killer, destroyer of cities, why don't we leave Trojans and Achaeans to fight it out? Father Zeus will make one group victorious. Let's withdraw, avoiding Zeus' anger.” With these words, she led headstrong Ares from the battle, then sat him down by Scamander river bank.

[66] Meriones then killed Phereclus, son of Tecton, Harmon's son, whose hands could make fine objects of all sorts. Pallas Athena had a special love for him.

[127] Diomedes spoke. Sthenelus jumped down on the ground. Standing beside him, he pulled out the sharp arrow stuck in his shoulder. Blood seeped through the woven shirt. Diomedes, expert in war cries, then spoke this prayer: “Hear me, Athena, unwearied daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus. If you've ever loved my father, stood by his side in murderous combat, be my friend now. Grant that I kill this man, that I come a spear's throw from the one who hit me unexpectedly and now boasts about it, saying I won't see daylight for much longer.” As Diomedes prayed, Pallas Athena heard. She put fresh strength into his legs and upper arms. Standing close by, she spoke. Her words had wings. “Take courage, Diomedes, in this fight with Trojans. I've put your father's strength into your chest, that shield-bearing horseman's fearless power. And I've removed the filter from your eyes which covered them before, so now, you'll easily distinguish gods from men. If a god comes here and stands against you, don't offer to fight any deathless one, except for Aphrodite, Zeus' daughter. If she fights, cut her with your sharp bronze.” Bright-eyed Athena left. Diomedes charged off, joining at once those soldiers fighting in the front, his spirit on fire to battle Trojans, seized by frenzy three times greater than before.

[340] Unperturbed, powerful Diomedes said to him: “You're wrong. You haven't hit me. In my view, this matter won't end for the two of you, until one of you falls dead, and his blood satisfies in full hard warlike Ares.” That said, he threw his spear. Athena guided it straight to Pandarus' nose, directly by the eyes. It smashed through his white teeth. The tireless bronze sliced through his tongue at its root, coming out his chin, right at the tip. Pandarus fell from the chariot, his brightly shining armour rattling round him.

[776] Godlike Odysseus noticed them, his spirit steady, but his fond heart was burning, as he turned over in his mind, whether to chase after that son of Zeus, loud thunderer, or stay to kill more Lycians. But Fate did not decree that brave Odysseus should kill Zeus' mighty son with his sharp bronze. Athena turned his heart against that Lycian crowd. So he killed Coeranus, Alastor, Chromius, Alcandrus, Halius, Noëmon, and Prytanis.

[818] White-armed goddess Hera saw Argives being slaughtered in the thick of battle. She spoke out to Athena. “Alas, Athena, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, tireless one, we've made an empty promise to Menelaus, that he'd wipe out Troy, that well-built city, before going home, if we let murderous Ares rage on like this. Come, let's both recall our fighting power.” Athena, the bright-eyed goddess, agreed with Hera's words. So that revered goddess Hera, daughter of great Cronos, went to prepare her horses with their golden bridles. Then Hebe quickly checked the chariot's curved wheels, bronze with eight spokes each, on axles made of iron, wheel rims made out of imperishable gold, edged with tires of close-fitted bronze, an amazing sight. Silver axle boxes revolve on either side. The body of the chariot has gold and silver strips. Two rails run round it. The pole is made of silver. On its end Hebe tied the cross-piece, lovely gold, then fixed the golden collar straps. Hera, keen for war, led her swift-footed horses out into their yoke. Then Athena, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, threw on her father's porch the embroidered gown which she had made herself with her own hands. She then put on the robe of cloud-gatherer Zeus and armed herself with weapons for that wretched war. She slung across her shoulders the fearsome tasseled aegis, its borders woven with Fear, Strife, Force, terrorizing Panic, with the chilling, horrifying and monstrous Gorgon's head— the horrifying emblem of aegis-bearing Zeus. On her head she placed a double-ridged gold helmet, men from a hundred cities etched upon its four-part crest. She set foot in her blazing chariot, grasping her huge, strong, heavy spear, with which she kills men, heroes who annoy her, goddess with a mighty father.

[863] Hera, white-armed goddess, reined in the horses, then spoke to Zeus, most high son of Cronos: “Father Zeus, aren't you angry with Ares for killing off those warriors? He's wiped out so many Achaean men, good ones, too, and so rashly. It's not right. It pains me. Meanwhile, Aphrodite and Apollo, with his silver bow, are enjoying themselves, happy about this madman they've unleashed, who has no sense of what's appropriate. Father Zeus, would I annoy you very much if I hurt Ares and chased him from this fight?” Cloud gatherer Zeus smiled and then said in reply: “All right, then, do that. But set Athena, goddess of the battle spoils, against him. For she's the one who's most accustomed to inflicting nasty pains on Ares.” White-armed goddess Hera agreed with what Zeus said.

[962] Pallas Athena took up the reins and whip. First, she led the sure-footed horses against Ares. He was removing armour from huge Periphas, Ochesius' fine son, by far the best of the Aetolians. Blood-stained Ares was stripping him of all his weapons. Then Athena put Hades' helmet on her head, so she was invisible to mighty Ares. But man-killing Ares did see Diomedes. He let the body of huge Periphas lie there, where he'd first killed him and ripped out his spirit. He strode straight up to horse-taming Diomedes. When the two came to close quarters and faced each other, Ares thrust his bronze spear first, over the yoke and horses' reins, eager to take Diomedes' life. Athena, bright-eyed goddess, hands gripping the reins, shoved the spear aside, so its thrust was harmless, above the chariot. Diomedes, skilled in war cries, then made the second thrust with his bronze spear. Pallas Athena guided the weapon right to Ares' gut, the lower part where his waist band went around him. Diomedes wounded Ares, piercing his fair skin, then pulled back on his spear. Brazen Ares roared as loud as the screams of nine or ten thousand men when they clash in war. Fear seized Achaeans—Trojans, too. They shuddered. That's how strong that cry sounded as it came from Ares, insatiable for war. Just as a dark mist moves upward from the clouds, when in hot weather a strong wind arises, so brazen Ares looked to Tydeus' son, Diomedes, as the god at once soared up into the clouds, ascending to wide heaven. Ares, in a rush, went to the gods' home, steep Olympus, sat by Zeus, distressed at heart. He showed Zeus where he'd been wounded, dripping with immortal blood, then made his complaint.

[996] His(Ares's) words had wings. “Father Zeus, aren't you incensed at this barbarity? We gods are always suffering dreadfully at each other's hands, when we bring men help. We all lay the blame for this on you. For you gave birth to that insane young girl, your destructive daughter, always busy with some nastiness. All the other gods, all those on Mount Olympus, do what you say. And each of us is subject to your will. But you never punish her in word or deed. You do nothing, because you gave birth to her yourself, to Athena, your vicious daughter...“

[1038] Athena of Alalcomenae and Argive Hera returned once more to mighty Zeus' house, now they'd stopped man-killing Ares' slaughter.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 6, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[362] Hector spoke. His mother went into the house, calling her attendants, who brought together the matrons from the city. Then she went down into the sweet-smelling room which stored their gowns, fine embroidered work of women from Sidonia, which godlike Paris brought with him from Sidon, when he sailed across the broad sea, on that voyage where he carried high-born Helen off. Hecuba took out one of the gowns, the finest embroidery, the largest. Glittering like a star, it lay at the bottom of the chest. Taking that as Athena's gift, she walked away. The old ladies followed her. At Athena's temple fair-cheeked Theano, daughter of Cisseus, wife of horse-taming Antenor, let them in. Trojans had appointed her Athena's priestess. All the women raised their hands, praying to Athena, while Theano took that lovely robe and placed it in Athena's lap, the goddess with the lovely hair, then spoke out this prayer to great Zeus' daughter: “Blessed Athena, sacred goddess, defender of our city, break the spear of Diomedes. Let him fall face down before the Scaean Gates. If so, right now we'll sacrifice twelve heifers in your temple, beasts untouched by any goad, if you'll pity our city, Trojans' wives and children.” The women prayed. But Pallas Athena refused their prayer.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 7, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[19] When goddess Athena with her glittering eyes saw Argives being slaughtered in the battle frenzy, she rushed down from Olympus heights to sacred Ilion. Apollo, keeping watch from Pergamus, came to confront her. He wanted victory for Trojans. The two met one another by the oak tree. Lord Apollo, son of Zeus, addressed Athena first: “Daughter of great-hearted Zeus, why has your spirit pushed you so eagerly down from Olympus? You want to change the tide of battle, giving victory to the Danaans. You don't pity Trojans as they're butchered. But it would be much better if you'd follow what I say—let's put an end to battle and the killing, for today. They'll fight again, later on, until they reach their goal in Troy, since the demolition of that city is what you goddesses desire in your hearts.” Bright-eyed Athena then said to Apollo: “God who works from far away, I agree— that's what I myself intended, coming from Olympus down to mingle here with Trojans and Achaeans. How will you get these troops to end this present battle?” Lord Apollo, son of Zeus, answered Athena: “Let's rouse the powerful fighting spirit of horse-taming Hector, so he challenges one of the Danaans to fight him alone, in a grim single combat, one on one. Bronze-armed Achaeans, in admiration, may incite someone to fight lord Hector.” Apollo spoke, and bright-eyed Athena then agreed.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 8, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[406] Seeing all this, white-armed Hera pitied the Achaeans. She quickly spoke these winged words to Athena: “Alas, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, Achaeans are being massacred. It's their last stand. Aren't we concerned about them any more, as their evil fate accomplishes its purpose? They're being destroyed by one man's charging frenzy. Hector, son of Priam, is on a rampage. He can't be stopped. He's already done great harm.” Bright-eyed goddess Athena answered Hera: “I wish Hector somehow would lose his strength and die, killed in his own native land at Argive hands. But my father, too, is in a rage, destruction on his mind. What a wretch he is, always in the way, wrecking my plans. He does not remember how many times I saved Hercules, his son, worn down by work he got from Eurystheus. If I'd had the foresight to anticipate what Zeus is doing now when Eurystheus sent Hercules down to the house of Hades, the Gate Keeper, to fetch back from Erebus Hades' dreadful hound, he'd never have escaped the deep rushing waters of the river Styx. Now Zeus dislikes me. He's carrying out what Thetis wants. She kissed his knee, cupped his chin, begged him to grant due honour to Achilles, destroyer of cities. But the day will come when Zeus calls me dear bright eyes once more. Now harness your sure-footed horses for us, while I go to aegis-bearing Zeus' home and arm myself with weapons for this battle, so I may see whether this son of Priam, this Hector of the shining helmet, is pleased when we two show up in the battle lanes, or whether some Trojan will make a meal for dogs and birds with flesh and body fat, as he falls there beside Achaean ships.” Athena finished. White-armed Hera agreed with her. Then Hera, honoured goddess, great Cronos' daughter, went off and started harnessing her horses with their golden headpieces. Meanwhile, Athena, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, threw her dress down on the floor of her father's house, a soft robe, richly embroidered, which she'd made with her own hands. She pulled on the tunic of cloud-gatherer Zeus and armed herself with weapons for destructive war. Then she stepped up into the flaming chariot, grasping the huge thick strong spear she used to break heroic warrior ranks which had provoked her, making the daughter of a mighty father angry. Hera immediately whipped the horses forward. With a groan, the gates of heaven opened on their own, those gates which the Seasons, custodians of Olympus and great heaven, too, look after, pushing open the heavy cloud, then pushing it shut once more. Through these gates the goddesses lashed on their horses.

[463] Father Zeus noticed them from Ida. In a huge rage, he sent down gold-winged Iris with a message for them. “Off with you, swift Iris. Turn them back again. Don't permit them to come into my presence.For if we come to blows, then we'll have trouble. But I do say this—and it will surely happen— I'll cripple their fast horses in their traces, throw them from the chariot, smash it in pieces...“

[497] Hera then said to Athena: “What a mess, child of aegis-bearing Zeus! I'm not keen, not now, that two of us should take on Zeus for the sake of mortal men. Let some die and others live, as chance will work it out. Let Zeus judge between Trojans and Achaeans, as his heart desires. That's how it should be.” With these words, she turned her sure-footed horses back. The Seasons unyoked the horses with the lovely manes, led them to their heavenly stalls, and leaned the chariot against the courtyard's luminescent inner wall. The goddesses then sat down on their golden thrones, among the other gods, with anger in their hearts.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 10, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[314] This cap had once been stolen by Autolycus, from Amyntor, Ormenus' son. He'd broken in his well-built home in Eleon. Some time later, Autolycus gave it to Amphidamas of Cythera, to take back home to Scandeia. Amphidamas then gave the cap to Molus, as a present for his hospitality. Molus later gave it to his son Meriones. And now it sat there, covering Odysseus' head. The two men, having put their fearful armour on, set off, leaving behind there all the most important chiefs. On their right, close to the path, Pallas Athena sent them a heron. In the darkness of the night they didn't see it with their eyes, but they heard its cry. Odysseus was pleased with this omen of the bird. He prayed then to Athena: “Child of aegis-bearing Zeus, untiring goddess, hear me. You've always stood beside me in all sorts of troubles. I don't move without your watching me. But now especially be my friend, Athena. Grant that we two come back to the ships covered in glory, after doing something great, something the Trojans will regret.” So they prayed, and Pallas Athena heard them. Their prayers to the daughter of great Zeus complete, they continued on their way, like two lions, in the darkness of night, through the slaughter, through corpses, armour, through black pools of blood.

[577] Odysseus spoke. Athena with her glittering eyes breathed fighting power into Diomedes. Moving around everywhere, he began the killing.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 11, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[492] Saying this, Socus struck the even circle of Odysseus' shield. The strong spear punctured the bright shield, forcing its way through the finely decorated breastplate, slicing off the flesh along his ribs. But Pallas Athena stopped it from sinking into any vital organ. Odysseus knew the spear had not hit a fatal spot.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 15, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[143] Then he told Terror and Flight to yoke up his horses, while he dressed himself in his glittering armour. Now, at that moment, feelings between Zeus and other immortal gods could have become much harsher, more incensed, if Athena, fearing what might happen to the gods, hadn't jumped from the throne where she'd been sitting, rushed out the door, seized Ares' helmet from his head, grabbed the shield from off his shoulders and the spear out of his mighty fist, and thrown them to one side. Then with these words Athena went at raging Ares: “You idiot! Have you lost your mind, gone mad? Do those ears of yours hear anything at all? Where's your common sense or your discretion? Did not you get what Hera said just now, the white-armed goddess who's come straight from Zeus? Do you want a belly full of trouble, forced to come back to Olympus, though in pain, sowing seeds of danger for the rest of us? For Zeus will abandon men immediately— those proud Trojans and Achaeans—and come here, to Olympus, then start to go at us. He'll lay his hands on each one of us in turn, guilty or innocent. So I'm telling you— set aside that anger for your son. Better men with stronger hands than his have already been destroyed and will be. It's hard to keep the families and children safe for everyone.” Athena finished. Then she made angry Ares sit down on his throne.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 17, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[665] Then once more over Patroclus the bitter fight resumed—fierce and full of sorrow. Athena stirred up the conflict, coming down from heaven, sent by wide-seeing Zeus to urge on the Danaans. For his mind had changed. Just as for mortal men Zeus bends his coloured rainbow down from heaven, an omen prophesying war or some harsh storm, upsetting flocks and stopping men from work upon the earth—that's how Athena then placed herself in the Achaean throng, wrapped in a purple mist. She stirred up all the men, giving encouragement first to courageous Menelaus, son of Atreus, who was close by her. Taking the form of Phoenix, in his untiring voice she said: “Surely, Menelaus, you'll be disgraced, have to hang your head in shame, if Achilles' fine and loyal companion is ravaged by swift dogs beneath Troy's walls. So be brave. Stand firm. Encourage all your men.” Menelaus, expert in war shouts, answered her: “Old Phoenix, you venerable old man, if only Athena would give me strength, defend me from this shower of weapons, I'd be happy to stand above Patroclus, protecting him. His death has touched my heart. But Hector has the power of deadly fire. He won't stop cutting men down with his bronze, for Zeus is giving him the glory.” Menelaus' words pleased the bright-eyed goddess, Athena, for he'd first prayed to her of all the gods. She put strength into his shoulders and his knees. Then in his chest she set the persistence of a gnat, which, no matter how much one brushes it away from someone's skin, keeps on biting—it finds human blood so sweet—with that stamina she filled up his dark heart.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 18, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[253] Then Achilles, loved by Zeus, moved into action. Around his powerful shoulders Athena set her tasseled aegis. Then the lovely goddess wrapped his head up in a golden cloud, so from him a fiery light blazed out. Just like those times when smoke from a city stretches all the way to heaven...

[267] He strode from the wall, then stood there by the ditch. But recalling what his mother said to him, he didn't mingle with Achaeans. As he stood there, he cried out. From far away, Pallas Athena added her voice, too, causing great consternation among the Trojans. As thrilling as a trumpet's note when it rings clearly, when rapacious enemies besiege a city—that's how sharp and piercing Achilles' voice was then.

[637] Their dear wives and children stood up on the walls as a defence, along with those too old to fight. The rest were leaving, led on by Pallas Athena and Ares, both made of gold, dressed in golden clothes, large, beautiful, and armed—as is suitable for gods.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 19, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[425] With these words, Zeus spurred Athena, already eager, into action. She swooped down through the air, screaming shrilly, like a broad-winged hawk. Then as Achaeans, with all speed, armed themselves throughout the camp, she inserted nectar and beautiful ambrosia in Achilles' chest, so his limbs would not suffer pangs of hunger. Then she left for her mighty father's well-built home.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 20, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[39] With these words, Cronos' son then launched relentless war. The gods charged off to battle, their hearts divided in two groups. Hera went to the assembled ships, with Pallas Athena and Poseidon, who shakes the earth. Helper Hermes accompanied them as well, the god with the most cunning mind of all. Hephaestus also went along with them, exulting in his power. Though he was lame, his feet moved quickly under him. Ares with the shining helmet joined the Trojans, taking with him long-haired Phoebus, archer Artemis, Leto, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Aphrodite.

[65] But once Olympians mingled in the crowds of soldiers, then mighty Strife, who stirs men up in battle, went into action, while Athena kept on shouting, sometimes standing by the ditch they'd dug beyond the wall, sometimes yelling out beside the roaring sea shore.

[525] Hector raised his spear and threw it. But Athena, with the slightest puff of breath, blew it aside, away from glorious Achilles, turning it back to godlike Hector. It landed there beside his feet.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 21, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[344] Achilles spoke. Then Poseidon and Pallas Athena, coming up quickly, stood in human form beside him. They joined their hands with his, and with their words they pledged their help. Poseidon spoke out first: “Son of Peleus, don't be so afraid. You need have no fear. We two come from the gods, here to help you— me and Pallas Athena, and Zeus approves. It's not ordained that you're to die here, killed by some river, which will soon recede, as you will see.

[364] As he went, he raised his legs high, striving against the current. The broad flowing river couldn't slow him down, once Athena had put great power in Achilles. But Scamander did not hold his fury back, growing even more enraged at Peleus' son.

[469] They no longer stood aloof. Shield-breaker Ares started it, attacking Athena first with his bronze spear, taunting her: “You dog fly, why is it you're once again inciting gods to fight each other, heart prompted by your own foolhardiness? Don't you recall the moment you provoked Diomedes, Tydeus' son, to wound me? We all saw it—you grabbed his spear yourself and drove it at me, scratching my fair skin. Well, now I think you'll pay for all you've done.” Saying this, Ares struck Athena's tasseled aegis, that fearful aegis which not even Zeus' lightning can overcome. Bloodstained Ares' long spear struck it. Drawing back, Athena picked up in her strong hand a large, black, jagged rock, lying there on the plain. In earlier ages men had set it there to indicate the boundary of a field. With this rock Athena struck raging Ares in the neck. His legs collapsed. Ares fell. Stretched out he covered seven hundred feet. His hair was dirtied with the dust. His armour rang.

[490] Pallas Athena laughed, then cried in boastful triumph—her words had wings: “You fool, still so ignorant of how much stronger I can claim to be than you, when you seek to match my power. This is the way you'll answer now in full your mother's vengeful rage. She's angry, planning nasty things for you, since you left Achaeans to support the arrogant Trojans.” With these words, she turned her glittering eyes away. Zeus' daughter Aphrodite then took Ares and led him off by hand, as he kept groaning—he found it difficult to get his spirit back.

[502] When white-armed goddess Hera saw Athena, she spoke, addressing her with these winged words: “Look there, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, you tireless one, that dog fly once again is leading man-killing Ares through the crowd, away from battle. Go after her.” Once Hera spoke, Athena dashed off in pursuit, delighted in her heart. Charging Aphrodite, she struck her in the chest with her powerful fist. Aphrodite's knees gave way, her heart collapsed. So both gods lay there, on the all-nourishing earth. Athena then spoke out winged words of triumph: “Let all those who assist the Trojans end up like this in warfare with Achaeans, with all the fortitude and boldness Aphrodite showed in helping Ares, standing up against my fighting power. We'll then soon end these hostile fights, once we've destroyed well-peopled Ilion.” As Athena spoke, white-armed goddess Hera smiled.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 22, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[266] Then Athena, goddess with the glittering eyes, came to Peleus' son. Standing close to him, she spoke— her words had wings: “Glorious Achilles, beloved of Zeus, now I hope the two of us will take great glory to Achaean ships, by killing Hector, for all his love of war. Now he can't escape us any longer, even though Apollo, the far shooter, suffers every torment, as he grovels before Father Zeus, who bears the aegis. Stay still now. Catch your breath. I'll go to Hector and convince him to turn and stand against you.” Once Athena had said this, Achilles obeyed, rejoicing in his heart, as he stood there, leaning on his bronze-tipped ash spear. Athena left him.

[281] She came to Hector in the form of Deïphobus, with his tireless voice and shape. Standing beside him, she spoke—her words had wings: “My brother, swift Achilles is really harassing you, with his fast running around Priam's city in this pursuit. Come, we'll both stand here, stay put, and beat off his attack.” Then Hector of the shining helmet answered her: “Deïphobus, in the past you've always been the brother I loved the most by far of children born to Hecuba and Priam. I think I now respect you even more, since you have dared to come outside the wall, to help me, when you saw me in distress, while others all remained inside.” Goddess Athena with her glittering eyes replied: “Dear brother, my father, my noble mother, and my comrades begged me repeatedly to stay there. They all so fear Achilles. But here inside me my heart felt the pain of bitter anguish. Now, let's go straight for him. Let's fight and not hold back our spears, so we can see if Achilles kills us both, then takes the bloodstained trophies to the ships, or whether you'll destroy him on your spear.” With these words, Athena seduced him forward.

[342] With these words, he hefted his long-shadowed spear, then hurled it. However, anticipating the throw, splendid Hector saw it coming and evaded it by crouching down, so the bronze spear flew over him, then struck the ground. But Pallas Athena grabbed it and returned it to Achilles, without Hector, that shepherd of his people, seeing what she'd done.

[363] Hector balanced his long-shadowed spear, then threw it. It struck the shield of Peleus' son, right in the centre. That spear didn't miss its mark. But it bounced some distance off the shield. Hector, angry that the spear had flown from his hand and missed, stood dismayed, for he had no substitute ash spear. So he shouted out, calling to Deïphobus, who carried a white shield, asking him with a yell to pass him his long spear. But Deïphobus was nowhere to be seen. Then Hector in his heart saw everything so clearly—he said: “This is it, then. The gods are summoning me to my death. I thought warrior Deïphobus was close by. But he's inside the walls, and Athena has deceived me. Now evil death is here, right beside me, not somewhere far away. There's no escape...“

[555] Poor fool! She'd no idea that a long way from that bath, Athena with the glittering eyes had killed Hector at Achilles' hands. Then she heard the wailing, laments coming from the walls.

HOMER, THE ILIAD, Book 23, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[480] His two eyes filled with tears, his strong voice failed him. Tydeus' son swerved aside, then drove his sure-footed horses far ahead, outdistancing the rest, for Athena had put strength into his team, to give Diomedes glory...

[944] All the Achaeans were cheering on Odysseus, as he strove to win the race, yelling at him to push his energy right to the limit. While they were running the last section of the course, Odysseus in his heart prayed to Athena, goddess with the glittering eyes: “Hear me, goddess. Be good to me. Help me. Speed up my feet.” Odysseus prayed, and Pallas Athena heard him. She made his legs, feet, and upper arms feel lighter. Then, as they were about to sprint in for the prize, Ajax slipped in mid stride—for Athena fouled him— right where the bellowing cattle had dropped their dung as they were slaughtered, the ones which swift Achilles had killed in honour of Patroclus.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 1, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[58] Athena, goddess with the gleaming eyes, answered Zeus: “Son of Cronos and father to us all, you who rule on high, yes indeed, Aegisthus now lies dead, something he well deserved. May any other man who does what he did also be destroyed! But my heart is torn for skillful Odysseus, ill-fated man, who has had to suffer such misfortune for so many years, a long way from friends. He's on an island, surrounded by the sea, the one that forms the ocean's navel stone. In the forests of that island lives a goddess, daughter of tough-minded Atlas, who knows the ocean depths and by himself holds up those gigantic pillars which separate earth and heaven. That's the one whose daughter prevents the sad, unlucky man from leaving. With soft seductive speech she keeps tempting him, urging him to forget his Ithaca. But Odysseus yearns to see even the smoke rising from his native land and longs for death. And yet, Olympian Zeus, your heart does not respond to him. Did not Odysseus offer you delightful sacrifices on Troy's far-reaching plain beside the ships? Why then, Zeus, are you so angry with him?”

[84] Cloud-gatherer Zeus then answered her and said: “My child, what a speech has passed the barrier of your teeth! How could I forget godlike Odysseus, pre-eminent among all mortal men for his intelligence and offerings to the immortal gods, who hold wide heaven? But Earthshaker Poseidon is a stubborn god, constantly enraged about the Cyclops, the one whose eye Odysseus destroyed, godlike Polyphemus, the mightiest of all the Cyclopes. Thoosa bore him, a nymph, a daughter of that Phorcys who commands the restless sea. Poseidon, down in those hollow caves, had sex with her. That’s the reason Earthshaker Poseidon makes Odysseus wander from his country. Still, he has no plans to kill him. But come, let's all of us consider his return, so he can journey back to Ithaca. Poseidon's anger will relent. He can't fight the immortal gods all by himself, not with all of us opposing him.”

[106] Goddess Athena with the gleaming eyes replied to Zeus: “Son of Cronos and father to us all, ruling high above, if the immortal gods now find it pleasing for the wise Odysseus to return back home, then let's send Hermes, killer of Argus, as our messenger, over to the island of Ogygia, so he can quickly tell that fair-haired nymph our firm decision—that brave Odysseus will now leave and complete his voyage home. I'll go to Ithaca and urge his son to be more active, put courage in his heart, so he will call those long-haired Achaeans to assembly, and there address the suitors, who keep on slaughtering his flocks of sheep and shambling bent-horned cattle. I'll send him on a trip to Sparta and sandy Pylos, to learn about his father's voyage home— he may hear of it somewhere—and to gain a worthy reputation among men.”

[125] Athena spoke. Then she tied those lovely sandals on her feet, the immortal, golden sandals which carry her as fast as stormy blasts of wind across the ocean seas and endless tracts of land. She took with her that weighty, powerful spear— immense and sturdy, with a point of sharpened bronze— with which she conquers ranks of human warriors when they annoy her, daughter of a mighty father. She raced down from the peak of Mount Olympus, sped across to Ithaca, and then just stood there, at Odysseus' outer gate before the palace, on the threshold, gripping the bronze spear in her fist. She looked like Mentes, a foreigner, the chief who ruled the Taphians.

[139] There she met the suitors, those arrogant men, who were enjoying themselves playing checkers right outside the door, sitting down on hides of cattle they themselves had butchered. Some heralds and attendants were keeping busy blending wine and water in the mixing bowls. Some were wiping tables down with porous sponges and setting them in place, while others passed around huge amounts of meat. God-like Telemachus observed Athena first, well before the others. He was sitting with the suitors, his heart troubled, picturing in his mind how his noble father might get back, scatter the suitors from his home, win honour for himself, and regain control of his own household. As he thought about all this, sitting there among the suitors, he saw Athena.

[164] Telemachus led Pallas Athena into his home. She followed. Once they'd come inside the high-roofed house, he walked to a tall pillar carrying the spear and set it in a finely-polished rack, which held many other spears belonging to Odysseus. He brought Athena in and sat her in a chair, a beautifully crafted work.

[202] But then Telemachus, leaning his head over close to Athena, so no one else could listen, murmured to her: “Dear stranger, my guest, if I tell you something, will I upset you? These men here, they spend all their time like this, with songs and music—it's so easy for them, because they gorge themselves on what belongs to someone else, and with impunity, a man whose white bones now may well be lying on the mainland somewhere, rotting in the rain, or in the sea, being tossed around by waves. If they saw him return to Ithaca, they'd all be praying they had swifter feet rather than more wealth in gold or clothes. But by now some evil fate has killed him, and for us there is no consolation, not even if some earth-bound mortal man should say that he will come. The day has passed when he might have reached home. But tell me, and speak candidly—Who are your people? Who are you? What city do you come from? What about your parents? What kind of ship did you sail here in? And the sailors, by what route did they bring you to Ithaca? Who do they say they come from? For I know there's no way you could reach me here on foot. And I also need to understand one point, so tell me the truth—this present visit, is it your first journey here, or are you a guest-friend of my father's? Many men have come here to our home as strangers, since he became a roaming wanderer among all sorts of people.”

[235] Then Athena, goddess with the gleaming eyes, answered Telemachus: “To you I will indeed speak openly. I can tell you that my name is Mentes, son of the wise Anchialus, and king of the oar-loving Taphians. I've come, as you surmise, with comrades on a ship, sailing across the wine-dark sea to men whose style of speech is very different, on my way to Temese for copper, and carrying a freight of shining iron. My ship is berthed some distance from the city, close to the fields, in Reithron's harbour, below Mount Neion's woods. We can both claim that we are guest-friends, the two of us, just as our fathers were so long ago. If you want, go up and ask Laertes, that old warrior, who, men say, no longer comes down to the city, but who bears his troubles in fields far out of town. But he has with him an old attendant woman, who prepares his food and drink, once his legs grow weary hobbling up and down his vineyard hills. I've come now because some people claim your father has apparently come home. But the gods are still preventing him from getting back. For there's no chance that brave Odysseus has died somewhere. No. He's still alive but being detained on an island, surrounded by the sea, with wild and dangerous men restraining him, holding him back against his will. But now, let me tell you about a prophecy the gods have set here in my heart, which, I think, will happen—even though I am no prophet and have no sure skills in reading omens from the birds. I say Odysseus will not stay away much longer from his dear native land, not even if he's chained in iron fetters. He'll devise some way to get back home, for he's a man of infinite resources. But come now, tell me this, and speak straight and to the point. Are you in truth Odysseus' son? You're tall, your head and handsome eyes look just like his, astonishingly so. We used to spend a lot of time together, before he left and sailed away to Troy, where other men, the best of all the Argives, voyaged, too, in their hollow ships. But since those days, Odysseus and I have not seen each other.”

[417] Prudent Telemachus then answered her: “Stranger, you've been speaking as a friend, thinking as a father would for his own son— and what you've said I never will forget. But come now, though you're eager to be off, stay here a while. Once you've had a bath and your fond heart is fully satisfied, then go back to your ship with your spirit full of joy, carrying a costly present, something really beautiful, which will be my gift to you, an heirloom of the sort dear guest-friends give to those who are their friends.” Goddess Athena with the gleaming eyes then said to him: “Since I'm eager to depart, don't keep me here a moment longer. And whatever gift your heart suggests you give me as a friend, present it to me when I come back here, and pick me something truly beautiful. It will earn you something worthy in return.” This said, Athena with the gleaming eyes departed, flying off like some wild sea bird. In his heart she put courage and strength. She made him recall his father, even more so than before.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 2, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[352] Telemachus walked away to the ocean shore. There, once he'd washed his hands in gray salt water, to Athena he made this prayer: “O hear me, you who yesterday came to my home as a god and ordered me to set out in a ship across the murky seas, to learn about my father's voyage back after being away so long. All this Achaeans are preventing, most of all, the suitors with their wicked arrogance.

[362] As he said this prayer, Athena came up close to him, looking and sounding just like Mentor. She spoke— her words had wings: “Telemachus, in future days you will not be worthless or a stupid man, if you have in you now something of your father's noble spirit. He’s the sort of man who, in word and deed, saw things to their conclusion. So for you this trip will not be useless or without result. If you're not sprung from Penelope and him, then I have no hope that you'll accomplish what you desire to do. It's true few men are like their fathers. Most of them are worse. Only very few of them are better. But in future you'll not be unworthy or a fool, and you do not completely lack Odysseus' wisdom, so there is some hope you will fulfill your mission. So set aside what those foolish suitors have advised. They lack all discretion, all sense of justice, for they have no idea of death, the dark fate closing in on them, when in a single day they will all perish. You must not delay that trip you wish to make. I am a friend of your ancestral home, so much so that I will furnish a fast ship for you and come in person with you. But now you must go home. Mingle with the suitors. Collect provisions, and put everything in some containers— wine in jars and barley meal, which strengthens men, in thick leather sacks. I'll go through the town and quickly round up a group of comrades, all volunteers. In sea-girt Ithaca, I'll choose from the many ships, new and old, the best one for you, and then, when that ship has been made ready and is fit to sail, we'll launch it out into the wine-dark sea.”

[515] Then goddess Athena with the gleaming eyes thought of something else. Looking like Telemachus, she went all through the city. To every man she came up to she gave the same instructions, telling them to meet by the fast ship that evening. Next, she asked Noemon, fine son of Phronius, for a swift ship, and he was happy to oblige. Then the sun went down, and all the roads grew dark. Athena dragged the fast ship down into the sea and stocked it with supplies, all the materials well-decked boats have stowed on board, then moved the ship to the harbour's outer edge. There they assembled, that group of brave companions, and the goddess instilled fresh spirit in them all. Then Athena, goddess with the glittering eyes, thought of one more thing. She set off, going to divine Odysseus' home. There she poured sweet drowsiness on all the suitors.

[559] Then, with Athena going on board ahead of him, Telemachus embarked. She sat in the stern. Telemachus sat right beside her, as the men untied the stern ropes, then climbed aboard the ship and went to seat themselves beside their oarlocks. Bright-eyed Athena arranged a fair breeze for them, a strong West Wind blowing across the wine-dark sea.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 4, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1072] But then Athena, goddess with the glittering eyes, thought of something else. She made a phantom shape, exactly like a woman, Iphthime, daughter of the brave Icarius and wife to Eumelus, who lived in Pherae. Athena sent this shape to lord Odysseus' home, while Penelope was in distress and grieving, to tell her she should end her tears and sorrow.

[1111] The dim phantom then answered Penelope: “Be brave. And do not let your mind and heart succumb to fear too much. He has with him the sort of guide whom other men have prayed to stand beside them, and she has power— yes, Pallas Athena. While you've been grieving, she's taken pity on you. She's the one who sent me here to tell you this.”

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 5, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[469] Then Athena, Zeus's daughter, thought up something new. She blocked the paths of every wind but one and ordered all of them to stop and check their force, then roused the swift North Wind and broke the waves in front, so divinely born Odysseus might yet meet the people of Phaeacia, who love the oar, avoiding death and Fates. So for two days and nights he floated on the ocean waves, his heart filled with many thoughts of death. But when fair-haired Dawn gave rise at last to the third day, the wind died down, the sea grew calm and still. He was lifted up by a large swell, and as he quickly looked ahead, Odysseus saw the land close by.

[518] As he(Odysseus) debated in his mind and heart like this, a huge wave carried him toward the rocky shore. His skin would have been stripped and all his bones smashed up, but the goddess with the gleaming eyes, Athena, put a thought inside his mind. As he surged ahead, he grabbed a rock with both his hands and held on, groaning, until that giant wave had passed him by. So he escaped. But as the wave flowed back once more, it charged, struck, and flung him out to sea. Just as an octopus is dragged out of its den with pebbles clinging to its suckers, that's how his skin was scraped from his strong hands against the rocks, as that great wave engulfed him. And then unfortunate Odysseus would have perished, something not ordained by fate, if bright-eyed Athena had not given him advice. Moving from the surf where it pounded on the shore, he swam out to sea, but kept looking at the land, hoping to come across a sloping beach somewhere or a haven from the sea. He kept swimming on and reached the mouth of a fair-flowing river, which seemed to him the finest place to go onshore.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 6, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1] While much-enduring lord Odysseus slept there, overcome with weariness and sleep, Athena went to the land of the Phaeacians, to their city. Many years ago these people used to live in wide Hypereia, close to the Cyclopes, proud arrogant men and much more powerful, who kept on robbing them. So god-like Nausithous had taken them away and led them off to settle in Scheria, far from any men who have to work to earn their daily bread. He'd had them build a wall around the city, put up homes, raise temples to the gods, and portion out the land for farming. But some time past his fate had struck him and he'd gone down to the house of Hades. Now Alcinous was king, a man to whom the gods had granted wisdom. Athena, bright-eyed goddess, went to this man's home, to arrange a journey home for brave Odysseus. She moved into a wonderfully furnished room where a young girl slept, one like immortal goddesses in form and loveliness. She was Nausicaa, daughter of great-hearted Alcinous. Close by her, beside each door post, her two attendants slept, girls whose beauty had been given by the Graces. The shining doors were closed. Like a gust of wind, Athena slipped over to the young girl's bed, stood there above her head, and then spoke to her.

[27] Her appearance changed to look like Dymas' daughter— he was a man famous for the ships he owned. His daughter was the same age as Nausicaa, whose heart was well disposed to her. In that form, bright-eyed Athena spoke out and said: “Nausicaa, how did your mother bear a girl so careless? Your splendid clothes are lying here uncared for. And your wedding day is not so far away, when you must dress up in expensive robes and give them to your wedding escort, too. You know it's things like these that help to make a noble reputation among men and please your honoured mother and father. Come, at day break let's wash out the clothing. I'll go as well to help you, so with all speed you can prepare yourself—it won't be long before you, too, are a married woman. You've already got men from this country asking for your hand in marriage, the finest in all Phaeacia, from whom you yourself derive your lineage. So come on now, ask your noble father to provide you, this morning early, a wagon and some mules, so you can carry the bright coverlets, the robes and sashes. That would be better than going on foot, because the washing tubs stand some distance from the town.” With these words, bright-eyed Athena went back to Olympus

[408] Just at sunset, they reached the celebrated grove, sacred to Athena. Lord Odysseus sat down there and made a quick prayer to great Zeus' daughter: “Hear me, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied goddess, listen to me now, for you did not respond to me back then, when I was being beaten down at sea and the great Earthshaker destroyed my raft. Grant that I come to the Phaeacians as a friend, someone worthy of their pity.” So he prayed. And Pallas Athena heard him. But she did not reveal herself to him directly— she feared her father's brother, who was still furious, and would rage against godlike Odysseus until he reached his native land at last.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 7, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[15] Then Odysseus got up and set off for the city. Athena took good care to veil him in thick mist, so no bold Phaeacian who ran into him would cast verbal taunts and ask him who he was. As he was about to enter the fine city, bright-eyed Athena met him—she was disguised as a young girl carrying a pitcher.

[124] Just as Phaeacian men have more skill than anyone at sailing a fast ship across the sea, so their women have great skill at working on the loom—for Athena gave them, above all others, a knowledge of fine handiwork and keen intelligence.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 8, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1] As soon as rose-fingered early Dawn appeared, royal and mighty Alcinous rose from his bed, and divinely born Odysseus, sacker of cities, got up, too. Alcinous, a powerful king, led them to the place Phaeacians organized assemblies, ground laid out for them beside the ships. They moved there and sat down on polished stones arranged in rows. Pallas Athena roamed throughout the city, looking like one of wise Alcinous' heralds and planning brave Odysseus' journey home.

[22] Athena had poured an amazing poise on him, across his shoulders and his head and made him look taller and more powerful, so the Phaeacians would welcome him, and he would win from them respect and awe—and prevail in competition, the many rival contests where Phaeacians would be testing lord Odysseus.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 11, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[807] But I(Heracles) carried the dog off and brought him back from Hades with my guides, Hermes and gleaming-eyed Athena.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 13, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[227] Meanwhile, Odysseus, asleep in his own land, woke up. He didn't recognize just where he was. He'd been away so long, and Pallas Athena, Zeus' daughter, had shed a mist around him, to make him hard for people to identify, so she could tell him everything, while his wife, his townsfolk, and his friends would not know who he was, until the suitors' crimes had all been paid in full.

[263] Odysseus began to count the lovely tripods, cauldrons, gold, and splendid clothing. It was all there. Then, overwhelmed with longing for his native land, he wandered on the shore beside the crashing sea, with many cries of sorrow. Then Athena came, moving close to him in the form of a young man, someone who herded sheep, but with a refined air that marks the sons of kings. She wore a well-made cloak, a double fold across her shoulders, and sandals on her shining feet. In her hand she gripped a spear.

[302] Athena spoke, and much-enduring lord Odysseus felt great joy, happy to learn of his ancestral lands from what Pallas Athena said, daughter of Zeus, who bears the aegis.

[346] Bright-eyed Athena smiled and stroked him with her hand. Then she changed herself into a lovely woman, tall and very skilled in making splendid things. She spoke to him—her words had wings: “Any man or even a god who ran into you would have to be a cunning charlatan to surpass your various kinds of trickery. You're bold, with subtle plans, and love deceit. Although you're now in your own land, it doesn't look as if you're going to stop your lies or making up those artful stories, which you love from the bottom of your heart. But come, let's no longer speak of this, for we both understand what shrewdness means. Of all men you're the best in making plans and giving speeches, and among all gods I'm well known for subtlety and wisdom. Still, you failed to recognize Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, who's always at your side, looking out for you in every crisis. Yes, I made all those Phaeacians love you. Now I've come to weave a scheme with you and hide these goods Phaeacian noblemen gave you as you were setting out for home, thanks to my plans and what I had in mind. I'll tell you what Fate has in store for you. You'll find harsh troubles in your well-built home. Be patient, for you must endure them all. Don't tell anyone, no man or woman, you've returned from wandering around. Instead, keep silent. Bear the many pains, and, when men act savagely, do nothing.”

[378] Resourceful Odysseus then answered her and said: “Goddess, it's difficult for any man to recognize you when he meets you, even if he's really wise, for you appear in any shape you wish. But I know well that in years past you've been kind to me, when we sons of Achaea fought in Troy. But when we'd ransacked Priam's lofty city and sailed off in our ships and then some god scattered the Achaeans, I never saw you, daughter of Zeus. I didn't notice you coming aboard our ship to keep me safe from danger. So I kept on wandering, my heart always divided in my chest, until the gods delivered me from trouble. Then, in the rich land of the Phaeacians, your words encouraged me, and you yourself led me into their city. Now I beg you, in your father's name, for I don't believe I've come back to sunny Ithaca. No. I'm footloose in some other country, and you're attempting to confuse my mind. So tell me truly if I have arrived in my dear native land.”

[401] Then Athena, the bright-eyed goddess, answered him: “That heart in your chest always thinks this way. And that's the reason I can't leave you in distress. You're so polite, intelligent, and cautious. Another man who'd just come back from wandering around would've been eager to rush home to see his wife and children. But you're not keen to learn about or hear of anything, before you can observe your wife yourself. She's still living in her home, as before— her nights and days always end in sorrow, and she weeps. As for me, I had no doubts, for my heart always knew you'd get back home, although your comrades would all be destroyed. But you should know I had no wish to fight against Poseidon, my father's brother, who bears anger in his heart against you, enraged that you destroyed his dear son's eye. But come, I'll demonstrate to you this land is Ithaca, so you'll be reassured. This anchorage here belongs to Phorcys, the Old Man of the Sea. At the harbour head stands the long-leafed olive tree. Beside it is the pleasant, shadowy cave, sacred to those nymphs they call the Naiads. This, you must know, is the arching cavern where you made many sacrificial gifts to those same nymphs to grant your wishes. And there is forested Mount Neriton.” As the goddess said these words, she dispersed the mist.

[482] Bright-eyed goddess Athena then answered him: “You can be sure I'll stand beside you. I won't forget you when the trouble starts. I think the brains and blood of many suitors who consume your livelihood will spatter the wide earth. But come, I'll transform you, so you'll be unrecognizable to all. I'll wrinkle fine skin on your supple limbs, remove the dark hair on your head, and then dress you in rags which would make you shudder to see clothing anyone...“

[530] As she said this, Athena touched him with her staff. She wrinkled the fair skin on his supple limbs and took the dark hair from his head. His arms and legs she covered with an old man's ancient flesh and dimmed his eyes, which had been so beautiful before. She dressed him in different clothes—a ragged cloak, a dirty tunic, ripped and disheveled, stained with stinking smoke. Then she threw around him a large hairless hide from a swift deer and gave him a staff and a tattered leather pouch, full of holes and with a twisted strap. When the two of them had made their plans, they parted, and Athena went to Lacedaemon to bring back Odysseus' son.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 15, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1] Then Pallas Athena went to spacious Lacedaemon, to remind the noble son of glorious Odysseus about going home and to urge him to return. She found Telemachus and Nestor's noble son lying on the portico, resting in their beds, inside the palace of splendid Menelaus. Gentle sleep had overpowered Nestor's son, but for Telemachus no sweet sleep had come, because in his heart all through that immortal night anxious thoughts about his father kept him awake.

[11] Bright-eyed Athena stood beside him and spoke out: “Telemachus, it's not good to wander any longer from your home, abandoning your property and leaving in your house such overbearing men, who may divide and use up all your goods. Then this journey you have undertaken will be pointless. As quickly as you can urge Menelaus, expert at war shouts, to let you go back, so you can find your noble mother there, still at home. Her father and her brothers are already telling her to marry Eurymachus—he gives more courting gifts than any other suitor, and now he's going to offer even more as wedding gifts. Take care she doesn't carry from the house some property, without your knowing it. You understand what sort of spirit lies inside a woman's chest. She wants to enrich the household of the man who marries her and no longer thinks about her children or her previous husband whom she loved. Now he's dead, she doesn't ask about him. You should go yourself and entrust your goods to the female slave you esteem the most, until the gods show you a splendid bride. I'll tell you something else—take it to heart. The bravest of the suitors lie in wait, enough to set an ambush, in the straits between Ithaca and rugged Samos. Before you get back to your native land, they want to murder you. But in my view, that won't be happening. Before it does, the earth will cover many of those suitors, who are consuming all your livelihood. You must steer your well-built ship on a course far from the islands, and keep on sailing day and night. One of the immortal gods who's watching over and protecting you will send you following winds. And then, at the first place you reach in Ithaca, send your companions and the ship ahead, on to the city—you yourself should go to see the swineherd, the man who tends your pigs. He's very well disposed towards you. Spend the night with him. And then tell him to go into the city and bring news to wise Penelope that you are safe and have returned from Pylos.” Athena spoke. Then she left, going back to high Olympus.

[373] Then Telemachus called his comrades, urging them to hoist the tackle. They hurried to obey, lifting up the mast of fir and setting it in place in its hollow socket. They tightened forestays, and then hoisted a white sail on twisted ox-hide ropes. Bright-eyed Athena send favouring winds blowing stiffly through the air, so the ship could complete its voyage quickly over salt waters of the sea. So they sailed on past Crouni and Calchis, with its lovely streams.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 16, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[206] Lord Odysseus noticed and went out of the hut, past the large wall around the yard, and stood in front of her. Then Athena spoke to him: “Son of Laertes, resourceful Odysseus, sprung from Zeus, Now is the time to speak to your own son— make yourself known and don't conceal the facts, so you two can plan the suitors' lethal fate, then go together to the famous city. I won't be absent from you very long— I'm eager for the battle.” As she said this, Athena touched Odysseus with her golden wand. To start with, she placed a well-washed cloak around his body, then made him taller and restored his youthful looks. His skin grew dark once more, his countenance filled out, and the beard around his chin turned black again. Once she'd done this, Athena left. But Odysseus returned into the hut. His dear son was amazed.

[564] But Penelope went to her bright room upstairs and wept there for Odysseus, her dear husband, until sweet sleep, cast by bright-eyed Athena, spread across her eyelids. At evening the fine swineherd came to Odysseus and to his son, busy getting dinner ready. They'd killed a boar, one year old. Then Athena approached Odysseus, Laertes' son, and touched him with her wand and made him an old man once again. She put shabby clothes around his body, just in case the swineherd, by looking up, would recognize him and then go off to tell faithful Penelope, and thus fail to keep the secret in his heart.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 18, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[203] Then goddess Athena with the gleaming eyes put an idea in the mind of wise Penelope, Icarius' daughter—to appear before the suitors, so she might really get their hearts excited and win more honour from her son and husband than she'd had before. With an unnatural laugh she spoke out and said: “Eurynome, though my heart was never keen before to show myself to these suitors, it is so now, disgraceful though they are. And I've got words to say to my own son—it would be better for him not to mingle with those arrogant suitors. They may say nice things, but they're making plans for nasty schemes in future.”

[238] Then once again, Athena, bright-eyed goddess, thought of something else. She poured sweet sleep over Icarius' daughter, who leaned back and fell asleep. Lying on the couch, all her limbs relaxed. Meanwhile, the lovely goddess gave her immortal gifts, so those Achaean men would be enchanted with her. First, with an ointment made from ambrosia she cleaned her lovely face, like the balm well-crowned Cytherea rubs on herself when she goes to the joyful dancing of the Graces. She made her taller, too, and changed her figure, so it looked more regal. Then she made her whiter than fresh-cut ivory. After she'd done all this, the lovely goddess left, and white-armed servants came, chattering as they moved there from their chambers.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 20, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[64] While Sleep, who relaxes troubled human hearts, relaxed his mind, his faithful wife woke up and cried, sitting there on her soft bed. But when her heart had had its fill of crying, the lovely lady began by saying a prayer to Artemis: “Artemis, royal goddess, Zeus' daughter, how I wish you'd shoot an arrow in my chest right now and take my life or a storm wind would come, lift me up, carry me away from here, across the murky roads, and cast me out in Ocean's backward-flowing stream, just as storms snatched up Pandareus' daughters, whose parents the gods killed, thus leaving them orphans in their home. Fair Aphrodite looked after them with cheese, sweet honey, and fine wine, while Hera offered them beauty and wisdom beyond all women. Chaste Artemis made them tall, and Athena gave them their skills in famous handicrafts...“

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 21, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[1] Bright-eyed Athena then placed inside the heart of wise Penelope, Icarius' daughter, the thought that she should set up in Odysseus' halls the bow and the gray iron axes for the suitors, as a competition and the prelude to their deaths. She climbed the lofty staircase to her chamber, picked up in her firm grip a curved key made of bronze— beautifully fashioned with an ivory handle.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 22, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[260] Then Athena, Zeus' daughter, came up to them, looking just like Mentor and with his voice, as well. Odysseus saw her and rejoiced. He cried: “Mentor, help fight off disaster. Remember me, your dear comrade. I've done good things for you. You're my companion, someone my own age.” Odysseus said this, thinking Mentor was, in fact, Athena, who incites armed men to action. From across the hall the suitors yelled: “Mentor, don't let what Odysseus says convince you to fight the suitors and to stand by him. For this is how it will end up, I think, when our will prevails. Once we've killed these men, father and son, then you'll be slaughtered, too, for all the things you're keen to bring out here in the hall. You're going to pay for it with your own head. Once our swords have sliced your strength from you, we'll mix your property, all the things you have inside your home and in the fields, with what Odysseus owns. We won't allow your sons and daughters to live within your house or your dear wife to move in Ithaca, not in the city.”

[283] After they said this, Athena in her heart grew very angry, and she rebuked Odysseus with heated words: “Odysseus, you no longer have that firm spirit and force you once possessed when for nine years you fought against the Trojans over white-armed Helen, who was nobly born. You never stopped. You slaughtered many men in fearful combat. Through your stratagems Priam's city of broad streets was taken. So how come now, when you've come home among your own possessions, you're moaning about acting bravely with these suitors? Come on, my friend, stand here beside me, see what I do, so you can understand the quality of Mentor, Alcimus' son, when, surrounded by his enemies, he repays men who've acted well for him.” Athena spoke. But she did not give him the strength to win that fight decisively. She was still testing the power and resolution of Odysseus and his splendid son. So she flew up to the roof inside the smoky hall, and sat there, taking on the appearance of a swallow.

[324] But Athena made sure their(suitors) spear throws missed the mark. One man hit a door post in the well-built hall. Another struck the closely fitted door. One ash spear, weighted down with bronze, fell against the wall. When they'd escaped the suitor's spears, lord Odysseus, who'd been through so much, was the first to speak: “Friends, now I'll give the word—let's hurl our spears into that crowd of suitors trying to kill us, adding to the harmful acts they did before.” Once Odysseus spoke, they all took steady aim, then threw their pointed spears. Odysseus struck down Demoptolemus, Telemachus hit Euryades, the swineherd struck Elatus, and the cattle herder killed Peisander. These men's teeth chewed up the earth, all of them together. The suitors then pulled back into the inner section of the hall. The others then rushed up to pull their spears out of the dead. The suitors kept throwing spears with frantic haste, but, though there were many, Athena made them miss.

[366] That's what the herder of the bent-horned cattle said. At close range Odysseus wounded Damastor's son with his long spear, and Telemachus injured Leocritus, son of Evenor—he struck him with his spear right in the groin and drove the bronze straight through—so Leocritus fell on his face, his whole forehead smashing down onto the ground. Then Athena held up her man-destroying aegis from high up in the roof. The suitors' minds panicked, and they fled through the hall, like a herd of cattle when a stinging gadfly goads them to stampede, in spring season, when the long days come.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 23, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[193] Meanwhile, Eurynome, the housekeeper, gave brave Odysseus a bath, rubbed him with oil, and put a tunic on him, a fine cloak, as well. Athena poured beauty on him in large amounts to make him taller, more robust to look at, and on his head she made his hair flow in curls resembling a hyacinth in bloom. Just as a man sets a layer of gold on silver, a skillful artisan whom Pallas Athena and Hephaestus have taught all sorts of crafts, so he produces marvelous work, that's how Athena poured grace onto his head and shoulders, as he came out of his bath, looking like the immortal gods.

HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Book 24, translated by IAN JOHNSTON

[606] Then Athena spoke to Zeus, Cronos' son, saying: “Father of us all and son of Cronos, highest of all those who rule, answer me when I ask this—What are you concealing in that mind of yours? Will you be creating further brutal war and dreadful battle, or bring both sides together here as friends?”

[613] Cloud-gatherer Zeus then answered her and said: “My child, why are you asking this of me? Why these questions? Were you not the one who devised this plan all on your own, so Odysseus could take out his revenge against these men, after he got back? Do as you wish. But I'll lay out for you what I think is right. Since lord Odysseus has paid back the suitors, let them swear a binding oath that he'll remain their king all his life, and let's make them forget the killing of their sons and brothers. Let them love each other as they used to do, and let there be wealth and peace in plenty.” His words stirred up Athena, who was already keen. She swooped down from the heights of Mount Olympus.

[678] Odysseus and his splendid son charged at the fighters in the front, striking them with swords and two-edged spears. They'd have killed them all, cut them down so none of them returned, had not Athena, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cried out— her voice held back every man in that whole army. “Men of Ithaca, stop this disastrous war, so you can quickly go your separate ways without spilling any blood.” Athena spoke, and pale fear gripped the men. They were so terrified they dropped their weapons and all fell on the ground, at that goddess' resounding voice. They turned round, back towards the city, eager to save their lives. Then much-enduring lord Odysseus gave out a fearful shout, gathered himself, and swooped down like an eagle from on high. But at that moment, Zeus, son of Cronos, shot a fiery thunderbolt. It struck at the feet of the bright-eyed daughter of that mighty father. And then Athena, goddess with the glittering eyes, said to Odysseus: “Resourceful Odysseus, Laertes' son, and child of Zeus, hold back. Stop this fight, this impartial war, in case thundering Zeus, who sees far and wide, grows angry with you.” Once Athena spoke, Odysseus obeyed, joy in his heart. And then Pallas Athena, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, in shape and form looking just like Mentor, had both parties swear a solemn treaty designed to last forever.

HOMERIC HYMNS, Hymn to Athena (11), translated by H. G. EVELYN-WHITE

[1] Of Pallas Athene, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is she, and with Ares she loves deeds of war, the sack of cities and the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as they go out to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good fortune with happiness!

HOMERIC HYMNS, Hymn to Athena (28), translated by H. G. EVELYN-WHITE

[1] I begin to sing of Pallas Athene, the glorious goddess, bright-eyed, inventive, unbending of heart, pure virgin, saviour of cities, courageous, Tritogeneia. From his awful head wise Zeus himself bare her arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the gods as they gazed. But Athena sprang quickly from the immortal head and stood before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking a sharp spear: great Olympus began to reel horribly at the might of the bright-eyed goddess, and earth round about cried fearfully, and the sea was moved and tossed with dark waves, while foam burst forth suddenly: the bright Son of Hyperion stopped his swift-footed horses a long while, until the maiden Pallas Athene had stripped the heavenly armour from her immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. And so hail to you, daughter of Zeus who holds the aegis! Now I will remember you and another song as well.

HYGINUS, ASTRONOMICA, Book 2, translated by MARY GRANT

[2.11.1] ANDROMEDA: They say she was put among the constellations by the favour of Minerva, on account of the valor of Perseus, who freed her from danger when exposed to the sea-monster.

[2.3.1] SERPENT: ...Some also say this dragon was thrown at Minerva by the Giants, when she fought them. Minerva, however, snatched its twisted form and threw it to the stars, and fixed it at the very pole of heaven. And so to this day it appears with twisted body, as if recently transported to the stars.

[2.12.1] PERSEUS: ...This eye Perseus snatches, as one was passing it to another, and threw is in Lake Tritonis. So, when the guards were blinded, he easily killed the Gorgon when she was overcome with sleep. Minerva is said to have the head on her breastplate. Euhemerus says the Gorgon was killed by Minerva. We shall speak more of this later on.

[2.13.1] CHARIOTEER: In Latin we call him "auriga" — Erichthonius by name, as Eratosthenes shows. Jupiter seeing that he first among men yoked horses in four-horse chariots, admired the genius of a man who could rival the invention of Sol, who first among the gods made use of the quadriga. Erichthonius first invented the four-horse chariot, as we said before, and also first established sacrifices to Minerva, and a temple on the citadel of the Athenians. Euripides gives the following account of his birth. Vulcan, inflamed by Minerva's beauty, begged her to marry him, but was refused. She hid herself in the place called Hephaestius, on account of the love of Vulcan. They say that Vulcan, following her there, tried to force her, and when, full of passion he tried to embrace her, he was repulsed, and some of his seed fell to the ground. Minerva overcome by shame, with her foot spread dust over it. From this the snake Erichthonius was born, who derives his name from the earth and their struggle. Minerva is said to have hidden him, like a cult-object, in a chest. She brought the chest to the daughters of Erechtheus and gave it to them to guard, forbidding them to open it. But man is by nature so curious, that the oftener he is forbidden to do something, the more he desired to do it. So the girls opened the chest and saw the snake. As a result they were driven mad by Minerva, and threw themselves from the Acropolis. But the snake fled to the shield of Minerva, and was reared by her.

[2.13.2] CHARIOTEER: ...Others have said that Erichthonius merely had snake-legs, and in his youth established the Panathenaic Games for Minerva, himself competing in the four-horse chariot race. In return for these deeds he was placed among the constellations.

[2.13.7] CHARIOTEER ...But when Jupiter, confident in his youth, was preparing for war against the Titans, oracular reply was given to him that if he wished to win, he should carry on the war protected with the skin of a goat, aigos, and the head of the Gorgon. The Greeks call this the aegis. When this was done, as we have shown above, Jupiter, overcoming the Titans, gained possession of the kingdom. Covering the remaining bones of the goat with a skin, he gave life to them and memorialised them, picturing them with stars. Afterwards he gave to Minerva the aegis with which he had been protected when he won.

HYGINUS, FABULAE, translated by MARY GRANT

[p.19] From Neptune and Amphitrite, Triton. From Dione and Jove, Venus. From Jove and Juno, Mars. From Jove's head, Minerva. From Juno without father, Vulcan. From Jove and Eurynome, Graces. Again from Jove and Juno, Youth, Liberty. From Jove and Themis, the Horae. From Jove and Ceres, Proserpina. From Jove and Moneta, the Muses. From Jove and Luna, Pandia. From Venus and Mars, Harmonia, and Formido.

[14.5] ARGONAUTS ASSEMBLED: ...This is the ship Argo, which Minerva had put in the circle of stars because she built it. When first he ship was launched into the sea, it appeared among the stars from rudder to sail...

[23] ABSYRTUS: ...Then next day when they came to court, and Medea was found to be a wife she was given to her husband. Nevertheless, when they had left, Absyrtus, fearing his father's commands, pursued them to the island of Minerva. When Jason was sacrificing there to Minerva, and Absyrtus came upon him, he was killed by Jason. Medea gave him burial, and they departed...

[30] TWELVE LABORS OF HERCULES ORDERED BY EURYSTHEUS: ...He killed at the spring of Lerna the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra, offspring of Typhon. This monster was so poisonous that she killed men with her breath, and if anyone passed by when she was sleeping, he breathed her tracks and died in the greatest torment. Under Minerva's instructions he killed her, disembowelled her, and dipped his arrows in her gall; and so whatever later he hit with his arrows did not escape death, and later he himself perished in Phrygia from the same cause...

[80} CASTOR: ...Idas and Lynceus, sons of Aphareus from Messene, had as promised brides Phoebe and Hilaira, daughters of Leucippus. Since these were most beautiful maidens — Phoebe being a priestess of Minerva, and Hilaira of Diana — Castor and Pollux, inflamed with love, carried them off...

[92] JUDGMENT OF PARIS: Jove is said to have invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis all the gods except Eris, or Discordia. When she came later and was not admitted to the banquet, she threw an apple through the door, saying that the fairest should take it. Juno, Venus, and Minerva claimed the beauty prize for themselves. A huge argument broke out among them. Jupiter ordered Mercury to take them to Mt Ida to Paris Alexander, and bid him judge. Juno promised him, if he should judge in her favour, that he would rule over all the lands and be pre-eminent wealth. Minerva promised that if she should come out victorious, he would be bravest of mortals and skilled in every craft. Venus, however, promised to give him in marriage Helen, daughter of Tyndareus, most beautiful of all women. Paris preferred the last give to the former ones, and judges Venus the most lovely. On account of this, Juno and Minerva were hostile to the Trojans.

[107] CONTEST OF ARMS: ...When Achilles was killed and given burial, Telamonian Ajax demanded from the Danaans the arms of Achilles, on the grounds that he was cousin on his father's side. Through the anger of Minerva they were denied him by Agamemnon and Menelaus, and given to Ulysses...

[108] TROJAN HORSE: Since the Achaeans during ten years were not able to take Troy, Epeus at Minerva's suggestion made a Wooden Horse of remarkable size, and in it were gathered Menelaus, Ulysses, Diomedes, Thessander, Sthenelus, Acamas, Thoas, Machaon, Neoptolemus. On the horse they wrote: "The Danaans give it as a gift to Minerva", and moved camp to Tenedos. When the Trojans saw this, they thought the enemy had gone away; Priam ordered he horse to be brought to the citadel of Minerva, and gave a proclamation that they celebrate magnificently.

[116] NAUPLIUS: When the Danaan were returning home after the capture of Troy and the division of spoils, the anger o the gods caused their shipwreck on the Cepharean Rocks. They sent a storm and contrary winds because the Greeks had despoiled the shrines of the gods and Locrian Ajax had dragged Cassandra from the statue of Pallas. In this storm Locrian Ajax was struck with a thunderbolt by Minerva. The waves dashed him against the rocks, and from this they are called the Rocks of Ajax...

[125] ODYSSEY: ...But his nurse Euryclia, while bathing his feet, recognized him as Ulysses by a scar. Later, with the help of Minerva, he and his son Telemachus and two servants killed the suitors with arrows.

[126] RECOGNITION OF ULYSSES: ...Although the dog recognized him and fawned upon him, Eumaeus did not know him, since Minerva had changed his appearance and attire...Then Minerva restored his former appearance to him...Ulysses said to him: "Tomorrow take me to the palace to Penelope." When he took him there, Minerva again changed his appearance to that of a beggar...

[127] TELEGONUS: ...Telegonus on discovering who he was, with Telemachus and Penelope returned to his home on the island of Aeaea by Minerva's instructions. They brought the body of Ulysses to Circe, and buried it there. By the advice of Minerva again, Telegonus married Penelope, and Telemachus married Circe.

[142] PANDORA: Prometheus, son of Iapetus, first fashioned men from clay. Later Vulcan, at Jove's command, made a woman's form from clay. Minerva gave it life, and the rest of the gods each gave come other gift. Because of this they named her Pandora. She was given in marriage to Prometheus' brother Epimetheus. Pyrrha was her daughter, and was said to be the first mortal born.

[148] VULCAN: When Vulcanus knew that Venus was secretly lying with Mars, and that he could not oppose his strength, he made a chain of adamant and put it around the bed to catch Mars by cleverness. When Mars came to the rendezvous, the together with Venus fell into the snare so that he could not extricate himself. When Sol reported this to Vulcan, he saw them lying there naked, and summoned all the gods . . . who saw. As a result, shame frightened Mars so that he did not do this. From their embrace Harmonia was born, and to her Minerva and Vulcan gave a robe "dipped in crimes" as a gift. Because of this, their descendants are clearly marked as ill-fated. To Sol's progeny, however, Venus, because of his disclosure, was always hostile.

[150] WAR WITH THE TITANS: After Juno saw that Epaphus, born of a concubine, ruled such a great kingdom, she saw to it that he should be killed while hunting, and encouraged the Titans to drive Jove from the kingdom and restore it to Saturn. When they tried to mount heaven, Jove with the help of Minerva, Apollo, and Diana, cast them headlong into Tartarus. On Atlas, who had been their leader, he put the vault of the sky; even now he is said to hold up the sky on his shoulders.

[164] ATHENS: When there was a contest between Neptune and Minerva as to who should be the first to found a town in the Attic land, they took Jove as judge. Minerva won because she first planted the olive in that land, said to be there to this day. But Neptune, in anger, wanted to have the sea flood that land. Mercury, at Jove's command, forbade his doing that. And so Minerva in her own name founded Athens, a town said to be the first established in the world.

[165] MARSYAS: Minerva is said to have been the first to make pipes from deer bones and to have come to the banquet of the gods to play. Juno and Venus made fun of her because she was grey-eyed and puffed out her cheeks, so when mocked in her playing and called ugly she came to the forest of Ida to a spring, as she played she viewed herself in the water, and saw that she was rightly mocked. Because of this she threw away the pipes and vowed that whoever picked them up would be punished severely. Marsyas, a shepherd, son of Oiagrus, one of the satyrs, found them, and by practicing assiduously kept making sweeter sounds day by day, so that he challenged Apollo to play the lure in a contest with him...

[166] ERICHTHONIUS: When Vulcan had made [golden sandals] for Jove and for the other gods, he made one of adamant [for Juno? ], and as soon as she sat down she suddenly found herself hanging in the air. When Vulcan was summoned to free his mother whom he had bound, in anger because he had been thrown from Heaven, he denied that he had a mother. When Father Liber had brought him back drunk to the council of the gods, he could not refuse (this) filial duty. Then he obtained freedom of choice from Jove, to gain whatever he sought from them. Therefore Neptune, because he was hostile to Minerva, urged Vulcan to ask for Minerva in marriage. This was granted, but Minerva, when he entered her chamber, defended her virginity with arms. As they struggled, some of his seed fell to earth, and from it a boy was born, the lower part of whose body was snake-formed. They named him Erichthonius, because eris in Greek means "strife", and khthon means "earth". When Minerva was secretly caring for him, she gave him in a chest to Aglaurus, Pandrosus, and Herse, daughters of Cecrops, to guard. A crow gave the secrete away when the girls opened the chest, and they, driven made by Minerva, threw themselves into the sea."

[168] DANAUS: Danaus, son of Belus, had fifty daughters by as many wives, and his brother Egyptus had the same number of sons. Egyptus wished to kill Danaus and his daughters, so he alone might hold the paternal kingdom; he asked his brother for wives for his sons. Danaus, realizing the plot, with Minerva's aid flew from Africa to Argos. Then for the first time Minerva is said to have built a two-prowed ship in which Danaus could escape...

[178] EUROPA: ...When Cadmus heard the oracle, he did as he was told. While seeking water he came to the fountain of Castalia, which a dragon, the offspring of Mars, was guarding. It killed the comrades of Cadmus, but was killed by Cadmus with a stone. Under Minerva's instructions he sowed the teeth and ploughed them under. From them sprang the Sparti...

[204] NYCTIMENE: Nyctimene, daughter of Epopeus, king of the Lesbians, is said to have been a most beautiful girl. Her father, Epopeus, smitten by passion, embraced her, and overcome by shame, she hid herself in the woods. Minerva out of pity changed her into an owl, which, out of shame, does not come into the light but appears at night.

[275] TOWN AND THEIR FOUNDERS: ...Minerva founded Athens in Chalcis, which she called from her name...

[277] FIRST INVENTORS: ...Minerva first built a two-prowed ship for Danaus in which he fled from Egyptus his brother.

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 2, translated by BROOKES MORE

[589] "But alas, although my(crow) life was blameless, fate or chance deprived me of Minerva's loving aid; for soon Nictimene succeeded me to her protection and deserved esteem.—it happened in this way,—Nictimene committed the most wicked crimes, for which Minerva changed her to the bird of night—and ever since has claimed her as her own instead of me; and this despite the deed for which she shuns the glorious light of day, and conscious of her crime conceals her shame in the dark night—Minerva's Owl now called. All the glad birds of day, indignant shun, and chase her from the skies.

[748] Aglauros, on the son of Jupiter, gazed with those eyes that only lately viewed the guarded secret of the yellow-haired Minerva, and demanded as her price gold of great weight; before he paid denied admittance of the house. Minerva turned, with orbs of stern displeasure, towards the maid Aglauros; and her bosom heaved with sighs so deeply laboured that her Aegis-shield was shaken on her valiant breast. For she remembered when Aglauros gave to view her charge, with impious hand, that monster form without a mother, maugre Nature's law, what time the god who dwells on Lemnos loved.—now to requite the god and sister; her to punish whose demand of gold was great; Minerva to the Cave of Envy sped. Dark, hideous with black gore, her dread abode is hidden in the deepest hollowed cave, in utmost limits where the genial sun may never shine, and where the breathing winds may never venture; dismal, bitter cold, untempered by the warmth of welcome fires, involved forever in abounding gloom. When the fair champion came to this abode she stood before its entrance, for she deemed it not a lawful thing to enter there: and she whose arm is mortal to her foes, struck the black door-posts with her pointed spear, and shook them to the center. Straight the doors flew open, and, behold, within was Envy ravening the flesh of vipers, self-begot, the nutriment of her depraved desires.—when the great goddess met her evil gaze she turned her eyes away. But Envy slow, in sluggish languor from the ground uprose, and left the scattered serpents half-devoured; then moving with a sullen pace approached.—and when she saw the gracious goddess, girt with beauty and resplendent in her arms, she groaned aloud and fetched up heavy sighs. Her face is pale, her body long and lean, her shifting eyes glance to the left and right, her snaggle teeth are covered with black rust, her hanging paps overflow with bitter gall, her slavered tongue drips venom to the ground; busy in schemes and watchful in dark snares sweet sleep is banished from her blood-shot eyes; her smiles are only seen when others weep; with sorrow she observes the fortunate, and pines away as she beholds their joy; her own existence is her punishment, and while tormenting she torments herself. Although Minerva held her in deep scorn she thus commanded her with winged words; “Instil thy poison in Aglauros, child of Cecrops; I command thee; do my will.” She spake; and spurning with her spear the ground departed...

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 3, translated by BROOKES MORE

[102] But lo, the hero's watchful Deity, Minerva, from the upper realms of air appeared before him. She commanded him(Cadmus) to sow the dragon's teeth in mellowed soil, from which might spring another race of men. And he obeyed: and as he plowed the land, took care to scatter in the furrowed soil the dragon's teeth; a seed to raise up man.

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 4, translated by BROOKES MORE

[781] Then rejoined a noble with enquiry why alone of those three sisters, snakes were interspersed in dread Medusa's locks. And he replied:—“Because, O Stranger, it is your desire to learn what worthy is for me to tell, hear ye the cause: Beyond all others she was famed for beauty, and the envious hope of many suitors. Words would fail to tell the glory of her hair, most wonderful of all her charms—A friend declared to me he saw its lovely splendour. Fame declares the Sovereign of the Sea attained her love in chaste Minerva's temple. While enraged she turned her head away and held her shield before her eyes. To punish that great crime minerva changed the Gorgon's splendid hair to serpents horrible. And now to strike her foes with fear, she wears upon her breast those awful vipers—creatures of her rage.

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 5, translated by BROOKES MORE

[250] Through all these mighty deeds Pallas, Minerva, had availed to guide her gold-begotten brother. Now she sped, surrounded in a cloud, from Seriphus, while Cynthus on the right, and Gyarus far faded from her view. And where a path, high over the deep sea, leads the near way, she winged the air for Thebes, and Helicon haunt of the Virgin Nine. High on that mount she stayed her flight, and with these words bespoke those well-taught sisters; “Fame has given to me the knowledge of a new-made fountain—gift of Pegasus, that fleet steed, from the blood of dread Medusa sprung—it opened when his hard hoof struck the ground.—It is the cause that brought me.—For my longing to have seen this fount, miraculous and wonderful, grows not the less in that myself did see the swift steed, nascent from maternal blood.” To which Urania thus; “Whatever the cause that brings thee to our habitation, thou, O goddess, art to us the greatest joy. And now, to answer thee, reports are true; this fountain is the work of Pegasus,” And having said these words, she gladly thence conducted Pallas to the sacred streams. And Pallas, after she had long admired that fountain, flowing where the hoof had struck, turned round to view the groves of ancient trees; the grottoes and the grass bespangled, rich with flowers unnumbered—all so beautiful she deemed the charm of that locality a fair surrounding for the studious days of those Mnemonian Maids.

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 6, translated by BROOKES MORE

[1] All this Minerva heard; and she approved their songs and their resentment; but her heart was brooding thus, “It is an easy thing to praise another, I should do as they: no creature of the earth should ever slight the majesty that dwells in me,—without just retribution.”—So her thought was turned upon the fortune of Arachne—proud, who would not ever yield to her the praise won by the art of deftly weaving wool, a girl who had not fame for place of birth, nor fame for birth, but only fame for skill! For it was well known that her father dwelt in Colophon; where, at his humble trade, he dyed in Phocean purples, fleecy wool. Her mother, also of the lower class, had died. Arachne in a mountain town by skill had grown so famous in the Land of Lydia, that unnumbered curious nymphs eager to witness her dexterity, deserted the lush vineyards of Timolus; or even left the cool and flowing streams of bright Pactolus, to admire the cloth, or to observe her deftly spinning wool. So graceful was her motion then,—if she was twisting the coarse wool in little balls, or if she teased it with her finger-tips, or if she softened the fine fleece, drawn forth in misty films, or if she twirled the smooth round spindle with her energetic thumb, or if with needle she embroidered cloth;—in all her motions one might well perceive how much Minerva had instructed her: but this she ever would deny, displeased to share her fame; and said, “Let her contend in art with me; and if her skill prevails, I then will forfeit all!”

[26] Minerva heard, and came to her, disguised with long grey hair, and with a staff to steady her weak limbs. She seemed a feeble woman, very old, and quavered as she said, “Old age is not the cause of every ill; experience comes with lengthened years; and, therefore, you should not despise my words. It is no harm in you to long for praise of mortals, when your nimble hands are spinning the soft wool,—but you should not deny Minerva's art—and you should pray that she may pardon you, for she will grant you pardon if you ask.” Arachne, scowling with an evil face. Looked at the goddess, as she dropped her thread. She hardly could restrain her threatening hand, and, trembling in her anger, she replied to you, disguised Minerva: “Silly fool,—worn out and witless in your palsied age, a great age is your great misfortune!—Let your daughter and your son's wife—if the Gods have blessed you—let them profit by your words; within myself, my knowledge is contained sufficient; you need not believe that your advice does any good; for I am quite unchanged in my opinion. Get you gone,—advise your goddess to come here herself, and not avoid the contest!” Instantly, the goddess said, “Minerva comes to you!” And with those brief words, put aside the shape of the old woman, and revealed herself, Minerva, goddess. All the other Nymphs and matrons of Mygdonia worshiped her; but not Arachne, who defiant stood;—although at first she flushed up—then went pale—then blushed again, reluctant.—So, at first, the sky suffuses, as Aurora moves, and, quickly when the glorious sun comes up, pales into white. She even rushed upon her own destruction, for she would not give from her desire to gain the victory. Nor did the daughter of almighty Jove decline: disdaining to delay with words, she hesitated not.

[53] And both, at once, selected their positions, stretched their webs with finest warp, and separated warp with sley. The woof was next inserted in the web by means of the sharp shuttles, which their nimble fingers pushed along, so drawn within the warp, and so the teeth notched in the moving sley might strike them.—Both, in haste, girded their garments to their breasts and moved their skilful arms, beguiling their fatigue in eager action. Myriad tints appeared besides the Tyrian purple—royal dye, extracted in brass vessels.—As the bow, that spans new glory in the curving sky, its glittering rays reflected in the rain, spreads out a multitude of blended tints, in scintillating beauty to the sight of all who gaze upon it;—so the threads, inwoven, mingled in a thousand tints, harmonious and contrasting; shot with gold: and there, depicted in those shining webs, were shown the histories of ancient days:—

[70] Minerva worked the Athenian Hill of Mars, where ancient Cecrops built his citadel, and showed the old contention for the name it should be given.—Twelve celestial Gods surrounded Jupiter, on lofty thrones; and all their features were so nicely drawn, that each could be distinguished.—Jupiter appeared as monarch of those judging Gods. There Neptune, guardian of the sea, was shown contending with Minerva. As he struck the Rock with his long trident, a wild horse sprang forth which he bequeathed to man. He claimed his right to name the city for that gift. And then she wove a portrait of herself, bearing a shield, and in her hand a lance, sharp-pointed, and a helmet on her head—her breast well-guarded by her Aegis: there she struck her spear into the fertile earth, from which a branch of olive seemed to sprout, pale with new clustered fruits.—And those twelve Gods, appeared to judge, that olive as a gift surpassed the horse which Neptune gave to man.

[83] And, so Arachne, rival of her fame, might learn the folly of her mad attempt, from the great deeds of ancient histories, and what award presumption must expect, Minerva wove four corners with life scenes of contest, brightly colored, but of size diminutive. In one of these was shown the snow-clad mountains, Rhodope, and Haemus, which for punishment were changed from human beings to those rigid forms, when they aspired to rival the high Gods. And in another corner she described that Pygmy, whom the angry Juno changed from queen-ship to a crane; because she thought herself an equal of the living Gods, she was commanded to wage cruel wars upon her former subjects. In the third, she wove the story of Antigone, who dared compare herself to Juno, queen of Jupiter, and showed her as she was transformed into a silly chattering stork, that praised her beauty, with her ugly beak.—Despite the powers of Ilion and her sire Laomedon, her shoulders fledged white wings. And so, the third part finished, there was left one corner, where Minerva deftly worked the story of the father, Cinyras;—as he was weeping on the temple steps, which once had been his daughter's living limbs. And she adorned the border with designs of peaceful olive—her devoted tree—which having shown, she made an end of work.

[103] Arachne, of Maeonia, wove, at first the story of Europa, as the bull deceived her, and so perfect was her art, it seemed a real bull in real waves. Europa seemed to look back towards the land which she had left; and call in her alarm to her companions—and as if she feared the touch of dashing waters, to draw up her timid feet, while she was sitting on the bull's back. And she wove Asteria seized by the assaulting eagle; and beneath the swan's white wings showed Leda lying by the stream: and showed Jove dancing as a Satyr, when he sought the beautiful Antiope, to whom was given twins; and how he seemed Amphitryon when he deceived Alcmena; and how he courted lovely Danae luring her as a gleaming shower of gold; and poor Aegina, hidden in his flame, jove as a shepherd with Mnemosyne; and beautiful Proserpina, involved by him, apparent as a spotted snake. And in her web, Arachne wove the scenes of Neptune:—who was shown first as a bull, when he was deep in love with virgin Arne then as Enipeus when the giant twins, Aloidae, were begot; and as the ram that gambolled with Bisaltis; as a horse loved by the fruitful Ceres, golden haired, all-bounteous mother of the yellow grain; and as the bird that hovered round snake-haired Medusa, mother of the winged horse; and as the dolphin, sporting with the Nymph, Melantho.—All of these were woven true to life, in proper shades. And there she showed Apollo, when disguised in various forms: as when he seemed a rustic; and as when he wore hawk-wings, and then the tawny skin of a great lion; and once more when he deluded Isse, as a shepherd lad. And there was Bacchus, when he was disguised as a large cluster of fictitious grapes; deluding by that wile the beautiful Erigone;—and Saturn, as a steed, begetter of the dual-natured Chiron. And then Arachne, to complete her work, wove all around the web a patterned edge of interlacing flowers and ivy leaves.

[129] Minerva could not find a fleck or flaw—even Envy can not censure perfect art—enraged because Arachne had such skill she ripped the web, and ruined all the scenes that showed those wicked actions of the Gods; and with her boxwood shuttle in her hand, struck the unhappy mortal on her head,—struck sharply thrice, and even once again. Arachne's spirit, deigning not to brook such insult, brooded on it, till she tied a cord around her neck, and hung herself. Minerva, moved to pity at the sight, sustained and saved her from that bitter death; but, angry still, pronounced another doom: “Although I grant you life, most wicked one, your fate shall be to dangle on a cord, and your posterity forever shall take your example, that your punishment may last forever!” Even as she spoke, before withdrawing from her victim's sight, she sprinkled her with juice—extract of herbs of Hecate. At once all hair fell off, her nose and ears remained not, and her head shrunk rapidly in size, as well as all her body, leaving her diminutive.—Her slender fingers gathered to her sides as long thin legs; and all her other parts were fast absorbed in her abdomen—whence she vented a fine thread;—and ever since, Arachne, as a spider, weaves her web.

OVID, METAMORPHOSES, Book 8, translated by BROOKES MORE

[236] But while he labored a pert partridge near, observed him from the covert of an oak, and whistled his unnatural delight. Know you the cause? 'Twas then a single bird, the first one of its kind. 'Twas never seen before the sister of Daedalus had brought him Perdix, her dear son, to be his pupil. And as the years went by the gifted youth began to rival his instructor's art. He took the jagged backbone of a fish, and with it as a model made a saw, with sharp teeth fashioned from a strip of iron. And he was first to make two arms of iron, smooth hinged upon the center, so that one would make a pivot while the other, turned, described a circle. Wherefore Daedalus enraged and envious, sought to slay the youth and cast him headlong from Minerva's fane,—then spread the rumor of an accident. But Pallas, goddess of ingenious men, saving the pupil changed him to a bird, and in the middle of the air he flew on feathered wings; and so his active mind—and vigor of his genius were absorbed into his wings and feet; although the name of Perdix was retained.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 1, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[1.1.3] The most noteworthy sight in the Peiraeus is a precinct of Athena and Zeus. Both their images are of bronze; Zeus holds a staff and a Victory, Athena a spear.

[1.14.6] Above the Cerameicus and the portico called the King's Portico is a temple of Hephaestus. I was not surprised that by it stands a statue of Athena, be cause I knew the story about Erichthonius. But when I saw that the statue of Athena had blue eyes I found out that the legend about them is Libyan. For the Libyans have a saying that the Goddess is the daughter of Poseidon and Lake Tritonis, and for this reason has blue eyes like Poseidon.

[1.18.2] Above the sanctuary of the Dioscuri is a sacred enclosure of Aglaurus. It was to Aglaurus and her sisters, Herse and Pandrosus, that they say Athena gave Erichthonius, whom she had hidden in a chest, forbidding them to pry curiously into what was entrusted to their charge. Pandrosus, they say, obeyed, but the other two (for they opened the chest) went mad when they saw Erichthonius, and threw themselves down the steepest part of the Acropolis.

[1.23.4] ...Near the statue of Diitrephes – I do not wish to write of the less distinguished portraits – are figures of gods; of Health, whom legend calls daughter of Asclepius, and of Athena, also surnamed Health.

[1.24.1] XXIV. In this place is a statue of Athena striking Marsyas the Silenus for taking up the flutes that the goddess wished to be cast away for good....

[1.24.3] I have already stated that the Athenians are far more devoted to religion than other men. They were the first to surname Athena Ergane (Worker).

[1.24.5] ...As you enter the temple that they name the Parthenon, all the sculptures you see on what is called the pediment refer to the birth of Athena, those on the rear pediment represent the contest for the land between Athena and Poseidon...

[1.24.7] The statue of Athena is upright, with a tunic reaching to the feet, and on her breast the head of Medusa is worked in ivory. She holds a statue of Victory about four cubits high, and in the other hand a spear; at her feet lies a shield and near the spear is a serpent. This serpent would be Erichthonius.

[1.26.6] Both the city and the whole of the land are alike sacred to Athena; for even those who in their parishes have an established worship of other gods nevertheless hold Athena in honor. But the most holy symbol, that was so considered by all many years before the unification of the parishes, is the image of Athena which is on what is now called the Acropolis, but in early days the Polis (City). A legend concerning it says that it fell from heaven; whether this is true or not I shall not discuss. A golden lamp for the goddess was made by Callimachus.

[1.27.3] I was much amazed at something which is not generally known, and so I will describe the circumstances. Two maidens dwell not far from the temple of Athena Polias, called by the Athenians Bearers of the Sacred Offerings. For a time they live with the goddess, but when the festival comes round they perform at night the following rites. Having placed on their heads what the priestess of Athena gives them to carry – neither she who gives nor they who carry have any knowledge what it is – the maidens descend by the natural underground passage that goes across the adjacent precincts, within the city, of Aphrodite in the Gardens. They leave down below what they carry and receive something else which they bring back covered up. These maidens they henceforth let go free, and take up to the Acropolis others in their place.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 2, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[2.4.1] IV. This is the account that I read, and not far from the tomb is the temple of Athena Chalinitis (Bridler). For Athena, they say, was the divinity who gave most help to Bellerophontes, and she delivered to him Pegasus, having herself broken in and bridled him. The image of her is of wood, but face, hands and feet are of white marble.

[2.6.3] As to Epopeus, he forthwith offered sacrifice for his victory and began a temple of Athena, and when this was complete he prayed the goddess to make known whether the temple was finished to her liking, and after the prayer they say that olive oil flowed before the temple.

[2.12.1] XII. In Titane there is also a sanctuary of Athena, into which they bring up the image of Coronis. In it is an old wooden figure of Athena, and I was told that it, too, was struck by lightning...

[2.21.6] But Procles, the son of Eucrates, a Carthaginian, thought a different account more plausible than the preceding. It is as follows. Among the incredible monsters to be found in the Libyan desert are wild men and wild women. Procles affirmed that he had seen a man from them who had been brought to Rome. So he guessed that a woman wandered from them, reached Lake Tritonis, and harried the neighbours until Perseus killed her; Athena was supposed to have helped him in this exploit, because the people who live around Lake Tritonis are sacred to her.

[2.24.2] Adjoining the temple of Apollo Deiradiotes is a sanctuary of Athena Oxyderces (Sharp-sighted), dedicated by Diomedes, because once when he was fighting at Troy the goddess removed the mist from his eyes...

[2.30.6] TROEZEN - During his reign, they say, Athena and Poseidon disputed about the land, and after disputing held it in common, as Zeus commanded them to do. For this reason they worship both Athena, whom they name both Polias (Urban) and Sthenias (Strong), and also Poseidon, under the surname of King. And moreover their old coins have as device a trident and a face of Athena.

[2.33.1] XXXIII. The Troezenians possess islands, one of which is near the mainland, and it is possible to wade across the channel. This was formerly called Sphaeria, but its name was changed to Sacred Island for the following reason. In it is the tomb of Sphaerus, who, they say, was charioteer to Pelops. In obedience forsooth to a dream from Athena, Aethra crossed over into the island with libations for Sphaerus. After she had crossed, Poseidon is said to have had intercourse with her here. So for this reason Aethra set up here a temple of Athena Apaturia, and changed the name from Sphaeria to Sacred Island. She also established a custom for the Troezenian maidens of dedicating their girdles before wedlock to Athena Apaturia.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 3, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[3.18.11] ...and Athena is taking Heracles to dwell henceforth with the gods.

[3.18.13] Hera is gazing at Io, the daughter of Inachus, who is already a cow, and Athena is running away from Hephaestus, who chases her...

[3.19.4] On the altar are also Demeter, the Maid, Pluto, next to them Fates and Seasons, and with them Aphrodite, Athena and Artemis. They are carrying to heaven Hyacinthus and Polyboea, the sister, they say, of Hyacinthus, who died a maid...

[3.19.5] Wrought on the altar is also Heracles; he too is being led to heaven by Athena and the other gods...

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 4, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[4.30.5] He said nothing further about this goddess being the mightiest of gods in human affairs and displaying greatest strength, as in the Iliad he represented Athena and Enyo as supreme in war...

[4.35.8] In Mothone is a temple of Athena Of the Winds, with a statue dedicated, it is said, by Diomede, who gave the goddess her name. The country being damaged by violent and unseasonable blasts, Diomede prayed to the goddess, and henceforward no disaster caused by the winds has visited their country...

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 5, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[5.3.2] The women of Elis, it is said, seeing that their land had been deprived of its vigorous manhood, prayed to Athena that they might conceive at their first union with their husbands. Their prayer was answered, and they set up a sanctuary of Athena surnamed Mother. Both wives and husbands were so delighted at their union that they named the place itself, where they first met, Bady (sweet), and the river that runs thereby Bady Water, this being a word of their native dialect.

[5.17.2] ...The Athena wearing a helmet and carrying a spear and shield is, it is said, a work of Medon, a Lacedaemonian, brother of Dorycleidas and a pupil of the same masters.

[5.19.5] This is the Fear of mortals: he who holds him is Agamemnon. There is also Hermes bringing to Alexander the son of Priam the goddesses of whose beauty he is to judge, the inscription on them being: "Here is Hermes, who is showing to Alexander, that he may arbitrate Concerning their beauty, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite."

[5.26.6] Near to the greater offerings of Micythus, which were made by the Argive Glaucus, stands an image of Athena with a helmet on her head and clad in an aegis. Nicodamus of Maenalus was the artist, but it was dedicated by the Eleans. Beside the Athena has been set up a Victory...

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 6, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[6.25.2] ...The following is the reason why the Eleans worship Hades; they are the only men we know of so to do. It is said that, when Heracles was leading an expedition against Pylus in Elis, Athena was one of his allies...

[6.26.3] On the Acropolis of the Eleans is a sanctuary of Athena. The image is of ivory and gold. They say that the goddess is the work of Pheidias. On her helmet is an image of a cock, this bird being very ready to fight. The bird might also be considered as sacred to Athena the worker.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 7, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[7.22.8] The founder of Triteia is said by some to have been Celbidas, who came from Cumae in the country of the Opici. Others say that Ares mated with Triteia the daughter of Triton, that this maiden was priestess to Athena, and that Melanippus, the son of Ares and Triteia, founded the city when he grew up, naming it after his mother.

[7.25.3] On this occasion the Athenians allowed the suppliants to go away unharmed, but subsequently the magistrates themselves put to death the suppliants of Athena, when Cylon and his supporters had seized the Acropolis. So the slayers themselves and also their descendants were regarded as accursed to the goddess.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 8, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[8.5.3] Afterwards Laodice, a descendant of Agapenor, sent to Tegea a robe as a gift for Athena Alea. The inscription on the offering told as well the race of Laodice: "This is the robe of Laodice; she offered it to her Athena, Sending it to her broad fatherland from divine Cyprus."

[8.18.3] He also represents the Styx as a river in Hades, and Athena says that Zeus does not remember that because of her he kept Heracles safe throughout the labours imposed by Eurystheus...

[8.26.6] The city of Aliphera has received its name from Alipherus, the son of Lycaon, and there are sanctuaries here of Asclepius and Athena; the latter they worship more than any other god, saying that she was born and bred among them. They also set up an altar of Zeus Lecheates (In child-bed), because here he gave birth to Athena. There is a stream they call Tritonis, adopting the story about the river Triton.

[8.26.7] The image of Athena is made of bronze, the work of Hypatodorus, worth seeing for its size and workmanship. They keep a general festival in honor of some god or other; I think in honor of Athena. At this festival they sacrifice first to Fly-catcher, praying to the hero over the victims and calling upon the Fly-catcher. When they have done this the flies trouble them no longer.

[8.28.5] Whereupon, they say, Athena in the guise of Melas, the son of Ops, tried to turn Teuthis aside from his journey home. But Teuthis, his wrath swelling within him, struck with his spear the thigh of the goddess, and actually did lead his army back from Aulis. On his return to his native land the goddess appeared to him in a vision with a wound in her thigh. After this a wasting disease fell on Teuthis, and its people, alone of the Arcadians, suffered from famine.

[8.28.6] Later, oracles were delivered to them from Dodona, telling them what to do to appease the goddess, and in particular they had an image of Athena made with a wound in the thigh. This image I have myself seen, with its thigh swathed in a purple bandage...

[8.36.5] ...there is also a sanctuary of Athena surnamed Contriver, because the goddess is the inventor of plans and devices of all sorts.

[8.47.4] Not far from the temple is a stadium formed by a mound of earth, where they celebrate games, one festival called Aleaea after Athena, the other Halotia (Capture Festival) because they captured the greater part of the Lacedaemonians alive in the battle...

[8.47.5] There is at Tegea another sanctuary of Athena, namely of Athena Poliatis (Keeper of the City) into which a priest enters once in each year. This sanctuary they name Eryma (Defence) saying that Cepheus, the son of Aleus, received from Athena a boon, that Tegea should never be captured while time shall endure, adding that the goddess cut off some of the hair of Medusa and gave it to him as a guard to the city.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 9, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[9.33.7] ... Here too there flows a river, a small torrent. They call it Triton, because the story is that beside a river Triton Athena was reared, the implication being that the Triton was this and not the river in Libya, which flows into the Libyan sea out of lake Tritonis.

[9.34.2] The following tale, too, is told. Iodama, who served the goddess as priestess, entered the precinct by night, where there appeared to her Athena, upon whose tunic was worked the head of Medusa the Gorgon. When Iodama saw it, she was turned to stone. For this reason a woman puts fire every day on the altar of Iodama, and as she does this she thrice repeats in the Boeotian dialect that Iodama is living and asking for fire.

PAUSANIAS, DESCRIPTION OF GREECE, Book 10, translated by W. H. S. JONES

[10.13.7] Heracles and Apollo are holding on to the tripod, and are preparing to fight about it. Leto and Artemis are calming Apollo, and Athena is calming Heracles. This too is an offering of the Phocians, dedicated when Tellias of Elis led them against the Thessalians. Athena and Artemis were made by Chionis, the other images are works shared by Diyllus and Amyclaeus. They are said to be Corinthians.

[10.34.6] ...At the end of the city(Elatia) on the right is a theater, and an ancient bronze image of Athena. They say that this goddess helped them against the barbarians under Taxilus.