Ancient Olympus… Which of its inhabitants do we know? An ordinary person can only name Zeus or Jupiter. However, the Romans and Greeks populated their skies with a huge number of patrons and rulers. Do you know who Minerva is? What was this goddess in charge of? In what cases did they contact her? Let's take a closer look at this extraordinary character. Perhaps you will agree with the opinion of the ancient peoples that the goddess of wisdom, Minerva, is the most respected and revered in mythology.
Whose is she Greek or Roman?
This question is likely to be asked by anyone interested in Minerva. The goddess appears in the mythology of both named peoples. Only the ancient Greeks called her Athena. The rest of the images echoed each other. The Roman goddess Minerva was originally devoid of militancy. She was considered the patroness of people of creative professions. These included artisans and philosophers, poets and sculptors. Home craftswomen also went to her for inspiration. Minerva is the goddess of female needlework, ancient Roman women believed. However, the Greeks also worshiped her bright image. They built temples to Minerva, calling her Athena. The goddess was revered for wisdom, justice and prudence. In addition, she, as the inhabitants of the AncientGreece, protected cities and states, gave ideas and thoughts to scientists, and creativity to artisans.
The legend of how Minerva was born
A goddess with such extraordinary talents could not have been born like a mere mortal. Her story is full of barbaric charm and deceit. It is believed that Minerva is the favorite daughter of Zeus. And he gave birth to her himself, in an unusual and perverted way. Moira whispered to him that his own son from the wise Metis would cause his death. Zeus did not like this turn of events, of course. The same soothsayers warned him that Metis was pregnant. Opposite-sex twins of strength and extraordinary intelligence should appear in the world. Without thinking for a long time, Zeus swallowed his wife. After a certain time, he began to suffer from a severe headache. To get rid of her, Zeus ordered Hephaestus to cut his skull. Minerva, the goddess of warriors and just warriors, appeared to the world from the head of her father. She was fully armed and wearing a helmet.
Symbols of Minerva
This goddess gave humanity a lot of attributes, which are now emblazoned on coats of arms and banners. Thus, the olive branch represents justice and peaceful development, people's desire for peace. The goddess Minerva is also associated with an owl. It is a symbol of wisdom among many peoples. The owl observes more than fusses, does not take rash actions. The power of the goddess is represented by a huge snake. She was depicted in temples, on frescoes, household items. It was believed that the building where this image is present is guarded by the goddess Minerva. Because she isranked among the most powerful inhabitants of heaven, many worshiped her. Her image could be found in almost any home. Craftsmen expected her help in their labors, statesmen craved patronage in political intrigues. And women looked for success in their household chores in her image. In ancient Greece, her images in temples were of two types. Pallas was considered an invincible warrior. Poliada was the protector of cities and states, a kind of judge and prosecutor all rolled into one.
Miracles and Minerva
The warrior goddess was often embodied in marble and wood. From this sculptural work came the name "palladium". In fact, this is a wooden image of a divine warrior. People believed (and even now many believe in this) that it has miraculous properties. This image protected the legendary Troy. Everyone sincerely believed the legend about the divine origin of the local palladium. It was allegedly presented to the city by Minerva herself. The goddess of war, unfortunately, did not save Troy from falling. The magical palladium was transported to Rome and placed in the Temple of Vesta. Since then, it is believed that this is where he is, protecting the inhabitants of the Eternal City from all sorts of troubles.
Ancient Roman goddess Minerva
There is such a thing as the "Capitol Triad". It means the main ancient Roman gods. Among them is Minerva. She was venerated in the Capitol along with Juno and Jupiter. So to speak, having moved to Rome, Minerva loses part of her militancy. She was considered the patroness of all kinds of crafts in this city,needlework and arts. When a person begins to understand, Minerva, the goddess of what in Ancient Rome, then faces a whole list of professionals who considered her their guardian. She was worshiped by artists, musicians, teachers and poets. As in Athens, women always brought her image into the house. Minerva patronized them in moments of creative activity or needlework. But the warriors did not forget about the goddess. She was depicted on shields and armor as a talisman against evil. Today, such artifacts can be seen in museums.
Image of Minerva
The warrior had several required attributes. The goddess Minerva (photo) was presented to the public as a female warrior. In her hands was always the spear with which she was born. The head, as a rule, was decorated with a red helmet. In addition, an owl and a snake were depicted nearby. These were her personal symbols. The owl spoke of the thoughtfulness and attentiveness of the inhabitant of heaven. She also told the man that Minerva could not be deceived. And in case of such an attempt - unsuccessful, as the image promised - a snake was present in the hands or on the helmet. She promised a just and inevitable punishment to the sinner or villain. It should be noted that she was honored not for her harsh temper, but for her love of beauty. Any talented person, as ancient people were sure, could hope for her special attitude and indispensable help in their work.
Holidays in honor of the goddess
People were going to the celebrations dedicated to Minerva at the end of March. They lasted for five whole days, and the name was "Quinquatria". ATrepresentatives of all professions, which were patronized by the goddess, took part in the festivities. The students were especially pleased with such events. It was kind of like a vacation. On the first day of the quinquatorium, the students were ordered not to study, but to bring their teacher a payment for their work. Interestingly, during the period described, no hostilities were carried out. If they started earlier, they were necessarily interrupted.
All citizens were supposed to honor the goddess, make sacrifices and celebrate along with other people. By the way, Minerva did not demand bloody alms. She was offered cakes flavored with butter and honey. The trumpeters were especially fond of these celebrations. It was a highly respected profession in ancient Rome. Its representatives accompanied all significant events (funerals, rituals and ceremonies). At the end of the quinquatria, the trumpeters would bless their instruments.
The first creative association
This is believed to be a college of writers and actors, created in Rome in the distant 207 BC. Then honor in the city was enjoyed by Livius Andronicus, a poet and playwright. He decided to unite colleagues around the temple of Minerva. She became their patroness and inspiration. Later, other peaceful professionals began to worship her. Among them are doctors and musicians, teachers and needlewomen. So, if you hear the question: “Minerva is the goddess of what?”, Do not get lost. We can say that she patronizes the soldiers-liberators (justice) and the social sphere. There will be no mistake in this.
Gladiator games
Rome could notto gain his unfading glory, if not for his traditions. In honor of Minerva, gladiator fights were always held there. She was the goddess of beauty. Ancient people considered strength and dexterity to be outstanding qualities, no worse than works of art. Interestingly, the winners of the competitions were presented with special amphorae. They were made for this celebration. Amphoras were decorated with scenes of the competitions themselves and the figure of Minerva. They were usually filled with oil. Do you understand where the currently accepted cups came from? It is from those ancient traditions that existed before our era. In Athens, Minerva was presented with precious fabrics created by the hands of famous townswomen. A solemn procession delivered them to the temple.
Features of Ancient Greek Minerva
We will call the goddess Athena. Basically, it's the same thing. The Greeks revered her as the founder of the Areopagus. This was the name of the highest state court of Athens. Minerva (Athena) is credited with inventing ships and building the first chariot. It was believed that it was this deity who gave people pipes and flutes, taught how to make ceramic dishes and spin. She also told me how to cook food. Many legends about Athena have survived to this day. She is involved in the feat of Prometheus and the struggle of Hercules with the giant and Stymphalian birds. And Perseus without her spear would not have been able to cope with the Gorgon Medusa. Minerva also has victims. So, according to legend, she turned the princess Arachne into a spider. Tiresias lost his sight altogether because he saw Minerva naked while swimming. Then the goddessshe took pity on him and endowed him with a prophetic gift. The Athenians loved celebrations dedicated to this deity. People whose fields were adjacent gathered together and held feasts. Sacrifice was required. Cakes and honey were worn to the temple.
Spores of the Gods
People in ancient times endowed the celestials with their own ideas of good and evil. This is clearly seen in the study of Greek mythology. It is curious to observe the deeds of the gods from the point of view of the current, by no means perfect morality. Only one deprivation of sight of Tiresias - just think, admired the beauty of a uniquely young and beautiful body! Even ancient people believed that the gods fought for their attention. So, the celestials argued about who the main city of ancient Greece would be named after. They arranged a kind of competition. In it, Minerva confronted Poseidon. They were judged by twelve deities led by Zeus. Poseidon is credited with the creation of the horse. According to other sources, he created a s alt spring in the rocks with a trident strike. Minerva gave the people olive groves. They were more valuable in the eyes of people. The city was named after her - Athens.
Outcome: who did Minerva patronize?
Surely it is quite difficult for a non-professional to understand her preferences. What to do? In ancient times, such a clear division into professions did not exist. This goddess was worshiped by doctors and teachers, artists and artisans. Those who fell to the lot to organize city life came to her for a blessing. Warriors of all nations also did not forget about Minerva. She caredabout peaceful life and came to the rescue in the days of battles. The main thing that distinguishes her from other deities is her concern for the territory and the people living on it. She is perhaps the first known symbol of normal state power. Or in other words, people's dreams of such. In any case, her image united and supported the townspeople in times of danger or battles. Therefore, the glory of the goddess of just war was assigned to Minerva.
