Athena

While a Goddess of weaving, and other domestic crafts, she was not above removing skilled competitors in areas that she considered hers. Arachnae, a skillful young weaver, compared Athena's weaving to hers. Athena challenged Arachnae to a contest. The results showed that indeed Arachnae was Athena's equal. Athena then turned the unfortunate Arachnae into a spider, destined to weave for all time.

Athena was the virgin goddess, her chastity she guarded carefully. A nymph by chance saw Athena when she was naked and bathing. Blinding him for daring to observe her nude body, she tempered her harsh judgement by granting him the ability to see the future. Athena demonstrated her preference for men again, with the easing of a harsh judgment.

Athena is a study in contrasts, kind and generous to men, she was harsh and unforgiving to the women who chanced to cross her path. She was the Goddess of war, wisdom, domestic arts, and trades. Patron Goddess of Athens, she gave Athens the Olive tree when contesting Poseidon's claim for Athens.

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