Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and Civilization

Athena in Greek Mythology

Athena and Other Goddesses of Wisdom

1. Ma'at - In ancient Egyptian mythology, Ma'at was the goddess of truth, justice, and harmony. She was also associated with wisdom and balance, and her symbol was the ostrich feather. Like Athena, Ma'at was a powerful deity who was revered for her wisdom and her role in maintaining order in the world.
2. Saraswati - In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, playing a musical instrument and holding a book. Mistakenly conflated with Ananke, Saraswati is also associated with the creation of the universe and is considered the source of all knowledge and wisdom.
3. Freya - In Norse mythology, Freya was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, but she was also associated with wisdom, magic, and war. She was known for her wisdom and knowledge of the magical arts, and she was also a skilled warrior. Freya is often compared to Athena due to their shared association with wisdom, war, and crafts.

Athena and Other Goddesses of War

1. Anat - In ancient Canaanite mythology, Anat was a fierce warrior Goddess who was associated with love, war, and fertility. She was known for her bravery and strength in battle, and she was also a protector of her people. Like Athena, Anat was a powerful Goddess who was revered for her courage and skill in warfare.
2. Bastet - In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bastet was originally a lioness Goddess of War, but she later became associated with protection, fertility, and motherhood. She was also considered a Goddess of music and dance. Bastet's transformation from a fierce warrior Goddess to a more nurturing deity is somewhat similar to Athena's dual nature as a Goddess of both War and Wisdom.
3. Durga - In Hindu mythology, Durga is a fierce warrior Goddess who is often depicted riding a lion or a tiger and carrying weapons in her many arms. She is associated with protection, strength, and power, and she is also considered a mother figure. Durga's role as a powerful protector and her association with strength and courage are similar to Athena's role as a Goddess of War and Wisdom.

Athena and Other Goddesses of Crafts and Arts

1. Hathor - In ancient Egyptian mythology, Hathor was a Goddess of love, beauty, music, and dance. She was also associated with fertility, motherhood, and the sky. Hathor was often depicted as a cow or a woman with cow's ears, and she was revered for her nurturing and protective nature. Like Athena, Hathor was associated with the arts and crafts, and both Goddesses were also linked to wisdom and knowledge.
2. Brigit - In Celtic mythology, Brigit was a goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft. She was also associated with fire, and her festival, Imbolc, marked the beginning of spring. Like Athena, Brigit was connected to the arts and crafts, and both Goddesses were revered for their wisdom and knowledge.
3. Kuan Yin - In Chinese mythology, Kuan Yin is the Goddess of mercy and compassion. She is also associated with healing, music, and poetry. Kuan Yin is often depicted as a serene and compassionate figure, and she is considered a protector of women and children. Like Athena, Kuan Yin is associated with the arts and crafts, and both Goddesses are revered for their wisdom and compassion.

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