Athena

Hello there! My name is Athena, and I live on the highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus, with my family of gods and goddesses. Long ago, I looked down and saw the most beautiful city, with sparkling white buildings and clever, busy people. I knew right away that I wanted to be their special protector, their patron, but my powerful uncle, Poseidon, the king of the sea, wanted the city for himself, too! To decide who would get this special honor, Zeus, the king of all gods, announced that we would have a competition. This is the story of Athena and the Contest for Athens.

All the other gods and goddesses gathered on a high, rocky hill called the Acropolis to be the judges. They declared that whoever gave the city the most wonderful and useful gift would win its loyalty forever. Poseidon, who always loved a big and noisy show, went first. With a mighty crash, he struck the ground with his three-pointed spear, his trident. Instantly, a spring of water burst forth, shimmering in the sun! The people gasped with excitement, thinking it was a wonderful gift. But when they rushed forward to taste it, their faces puckered up like lemons. It was saltwater, just like the ocean, and they couldn't drink it or use it to water their plants. Then it was my turn. I didn't make a loud noise. Instead, I quietly tapped the earth with my spear. From that very spot, a small tree began to grow, its leaves a beautiful silvery green and its branches twisting toward the sky. It was an olive tree. I explained that this single tree would give them so much: delicious olives to eat, oil for their lamps and cooking, and strong wood for building. It was a gift of peace and nourishment.

The judges and the people talked amongst themselves. They saw that while Poseidon's gift was powerful and dramatic, my gift was one of wisdom and care. A saltwater spring was impressive, but an olive tree could help them thrive for many years to come. They declared the olive tree the better gift, and I was named the city's protector. In my honor, the people named their wonderful city 'Athens.' The olive tree became a symbol of peace and prosperity for all of Greece, and its branches are still a sign of peace today. This story reminds us that the best gifts aren't always the biggest or loudest, but the ones that come from the heart and help people grow and live well together. Even now, the story of Athens inspires us to be wise and thoughtful in everything we do.