Inspired by Albrecht Dürer (1471 – 1528) – The Barn Owl (1508) – Oil on canvas – 13,86 x 10,71 inch

The goddess Athena was born in a very special way. But she is a goddess, so, everything is possible. Ouranos, the starry sky, threatens Zeus to take his throne if Metis gives birth to a son. Zeus, keen on changing himself into something else, play this little game with Metis who becomes a tear. The god of Olympus swollows it and a few months later complains of painful headaches. Being on the shores of Lake Triton, he askes Hephaestus, blacksmith god, to split his skull with an ax to free him from his terrible pain. He does it. Athena emerges from Zeus’ head, brandishing his spear and shield and screaming a decisive war cry.

The goddess Athena is the protector of the city. Guardian of the cities, she lives in temples with a strategic geographical position.

Athena is a brave warrior. She only battles when all peaceful options have been considered. She believes in mercy and always votes to release the defendant. On the other hand, once the battle is fired, she is never defeated. Excellent strategist, she fights against the titans, becomes a rival of Poseidon, protects the heroes. She helps Hercules to carry out his twelve works, Perseus to kill Medusa, Bellerophon to train Pegasus, Ulysses to use the Trojan horse.

She also has industrial and commercial powers thanks to the invention of the plough, the coupling. She chairs the work of the bronze art and directs the work of the woman.

From her agricultural duties she gave the olive tree and the fig tree to Attica, and taught the Cyreneans and Barcels the breeding and the team of horses.

Concerning her political and peaceful powers, she is the protector of Athens and the acropolis. Athena is the goddess of righteous government and protector of law.

At last, Athena is the divinity of Wisdom and Intelligence. She presides over arts and inventions. She invents the flute and the trumpet.

Her totem-animal? The owl !