A great myth about Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, tells how she became the patron goddess of the city of Athens.

She and her uncle, Poseidon were at war for the title and on the eve of battle, Athena suggested a contest instead,
to see who could provide the best divine gift for the people.

Poseidon produced a gushing spring, but as his domain ruled over the seas, the water was salty and undrinkable. Athena struck the ground with her spear and dramatically, a fully grown olive tree sprang up, to the delight of the citizens. This hearty tree could be easily cultivated, lived a long time and provided food as the olive fruit,
oil for cooking as well as for the lighting of lamps, and beautiful wood for building.

The King declared her the winner, by the people’s choice and the city became hers and was named Athens in her honor, and the olive tree became one of her symbols. Tree groves have always been sacredly associated with goddesses, and considered under their protection.

(Poseidon, a sore loser, plagued the city with water issues that are still problematic to this day.)

 

Photo: Olive Grove

text and photography ©2014 Robin Davis