Athena

CLAS 160D2 Classical MythologyFebruary 7, 2012 1

Athena’s Names

• Pallas Athena (Maiden)

• Glaukopis(Grey eyed)

• Athena parthenos (Virgin)

• Tritogeneia (Trito-born)

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From the Homeric Hymn

• I begin to sing about Pallas Athena, renowned goddess, with bright eyes, quick minded, and inflexible heart, chaste and mighty virgin, protectress of the city, Tritogeneia.

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Her Main Characteristics• Goddess of the City (Athens, mainly)• Was born by Zeus’ head• Chastity (Compare with Artemis)

• Organizational Powers: – Helps invent boats; – Gives Bellerophon bridles to ride Pegasus;– Goddess of weaving

• Best known for her wisdom and skill in battle

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Material AttributesThe Aegis (w/ Gorgon’s Head & Snakes) , Helmet, and Spear.

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Material Attributes

The Olive Tree &

The Owl

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The Birth of Athena

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The Acropolis

Center of Athens since the Bronze Age

Destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE

Rebuilt under the Athenian General Pericles in 447-438 BCE

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Major Buildings on the AcropolisParthenon

Erechtheion

Propylaea

Temple of Athena Nike9

The Erechtheion

w/ the Caryatids

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The Temple of Athena Nike

…and the Sandalbinder?11

The Parthenon• Built on top of the ruins of the Old Athena Temple• Architects: Ictinus and Callicrates• Sculptor: Phideias

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Sculpture from Previous Temples

Gigantomachy

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Sculptural Program

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Pediments

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West Pediment: Athena and Poseidon

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East Pediment: Birth of Athena

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Metopes: Battle of Lapiths and Centaurs

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Processional Frieze

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Processional Frieze

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The Cult Statue Inside

Varvakeion Athena2nd C AD Roman CopyOf Greek Original

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Panathenaic Amphorae

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Athena and Marsyas

Roman copy of an original by Myron

On a Red figure vase

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Athena and Arachne

Vase Painting from Corinth ca. 600 BCE

Black figure vase ca. 500 BCE

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Athena and Heracles

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Athena and Theseus

On a Kylix ca. 420 BCE26

Athena and Jason

The Douris Cup ca. 470 BCE27

Athena on the Pergamon Altar

2nd Century BCE 28

Mourning Athena ca. 460 BCE

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• Unlike, say Poseidon, who is a god of Nature, Athena is a goddess of culture.

• She overseas craft and excellence- both feminine (as in weaving) and masculine (as in military strategy).

• She plays an active role in the destinies of heroes and intervenes to help those which she favors.

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