Athena - A Goddess for Men continued...

Details of Athena's Destruction of 3 Women | Summary: 3 Women Athena Destroyed

• Athena vs Arachne

  
  The story of Arachne told in Book 6 of Ovid's Metamorphoses is one of the most familiar stories about Athena. The theme is a familiar one: comparing a mortal woman to a goddess with disastrous consequences for the human. For instance, the comparison of the mortal Psyche with the goddess Aphrodite formed the background for the story of Cupid and Psyche. While ultimately there was a happy ending, to avert Aphrodite's wrath, Psyche's family abandoned her to death. The comparison of Arachne with Aphrodite had more lasting consequences, but at least Athena left her victim alive this time.
  
  After Arachne braggged that she could weave as well as the goddess, Athena engaged her in a weaving contest. Although Arachne wove well and perhaps up to the words of her boast, Athena punished her by turning her into a spider.
  

• Athena vs Iodama

  
  Iodama was a sister or priestess of Athena. Serving in her priestly role, she chanced upon the goddess Athena. Athena was wearing the head of Medusa attached to her garments. Athena had punished Medusa with the power to lithify mortals. The power hadn't diminished when Medusa died, so innocent Iodama was turned to stone at the moment Iodama looked at the goddess.
  

• Athena vs Pallas

  
  Pallas was perhaps a nymph stepsister of one version of Athena. The two females were playing, or, rather, practicing the martial arts, when Athena accidentally killed her.
  

• Other Women Athena Harmed

  • Alcinoe
    
  • Daughters of Cecrops
    
  • Medusa