From the moment Athene sprang full-grown from her father Zeus's head, a new image of the feminine was born to Western consciousness. Starting from a penetrating analysis of the goddess's mythologies and beginnings, Ann Shearer examines how mainstream consciousness, from the early Church Fathers onward, has diluted and even suppressed the original power of the image of Athene. Using an engagingly colloquial tone of voice, she provides easy access to Athene's world, letting each myth stand on its own and allowing readers to come to their own conclusions about this paradoxical goddess of war and healing. An important resource and guide, with extensive bibliography and endnotes, Athene presents the goddess in all her complexity and magnificence.

Included Notes, Bibliography, Index