Mythology X-Files

Athenia's Birth - The Real Story

Zeus, the supreme ruler of the gods came to lust after Metis. Metis was the Titaness of the fourth day and the planet Mercury. Zeus always got what he wanted. Metis was opposed to this and tried to escape. She changed her form many times, turning herself into various creatures such as birds, fish, and serpents. However, Zeus was determined and continued his pursuit until she relented.

An Oracle of Gaea prophesied that Metis first child would be a girl but. Her second child would be a boy and would overthrow Zeus as the supreme ruler. Zeus took this warning seriously. When he saw his beloved Metis he opened his mouth and swallowed her. This, he thought would end the possibility of being overthrown by a sibling.

After some time Zeus developed a most unbearable headache. He screamed so loud it could be heard throughout the entire planet. The other gods rushed to see what had transpired. Hermes, Zeus' son, a trusted messenger saw what was happening and instructed his brother, Hephaestus to take a wedge and split open Zeus's skull. Out of the skull sprang Athena. She was fully grown and in a full set of armour.

Athena, the daughter of Zeus sprang full grown in armour from his forehead, which meant therefore that she had no mother. She was fierce and brave and the goddess of the city. She was wisdom, reason, and purity. She was Zeus's favorite child and was allowed to use his weapons including his thunderbolt. Her favorite city was Athens. She was an olive tree, an owl and a virgin.