Minerva - the goddess of wisdom and fair war

Ancient Olympia ... Who do we know of its inhabitants?The average person does that Zeus or Jupiter could be called.However, the Romans and the Greeks peopled its sky a huge number of patrons and overlords.Now you know who this Minerva?Goddess of this than giving directions?In some cases, it accessed?Let's see in detail with this extraordinary character.Did you agree with the opinion of the ancients that the goddess of wisdom, Minerva is the most respected and revered in mythology.

whose it is - Greek or Roman?

this question, perhaps, ask yourself any person whose interest Minerva.The Goddess appears in the mythology of both these nations.Only the ancient Greeks called her Athena.The rest of the images resonated among themselves.The Roman goddess Minerva was initially devoid of belligerence.She was considered the patron of creative professionals.These include artisans and philosophers, poets and sculptors.Domestic masters also came to her for inspiration.Minerva - goddess of female needlework, believed the Roman woman.However, the Greeks worshiped her bright image.They built temples of Minerva, calling her Athena.Revered as the goddess of wisdom, justice, and judgment.In addition, it is believed the inhabitants of ancient Greece, protected the city and the state, granted ideas and thoughts scientists and creative abilities - craftsmen.

Legend of how Minerva was born

goddess with such extraordinary talent could be born as a mere mortal.Its history is full of charm and cunning barbarian.It is believed that Minerva is the favorite daughter of Zeus.And it has spawned its own, unusual and perverse way.Moira whispered to him that his own son from the wise Metis would cause his death.Zeus such a turn of events is not happy, of course.The same soothsayer warned him that Metis was pregnant.In the light should appear heterosexual twins strength and extraordinary mind.Without thinking, Zeus swallowed his wife.After a while it became a torment severe headache.To get rid of her, Zeus ordered Hephaestus to split his skull.From the head of his father and the world was Minerva, the goddess of warriors and fair warriors.She was in full armor and helmet.

Symbols Minerva

This goddess gave humanity a set of attributes, and now the beauty on the coats of arms and banners.Thus, the olive branch symbolizes justice and peaceful development, people's desire for peace.Even the goddess Minerva associated with an owl.It is a symbol of wisdom from many nations.Owl observe more than vanity, it does not take rash actions.Force is a huge snake goddess.She was depicted in the temples, the frescoes, household items.It was believed that the building where there is the image that protects the goddess Minerva.Since it is ranked among the most powerful inhabitants of heaven, that she worshiped by many.Its image could find practically in any home.Artisans were expecting from her care in the works, statesmen coveted patronage in political intrigue.A woman looking in her way of success in its domestic affairs.In ancient Greece, its image in the temples were of two kinds.Pallas was considered invincible warrior.Polyads was also a defender of cities and states, a sort of judge and prosecutor in one person.

Miracles and Minerva

Goddess Warrior often embodied in marble and wood.From it sculptural work was called "Palladium".In fact, it is a wooden image of the divine warrior.People thought (and many now believe it), that it has miraculous properties.This protects the legendary Troy.All genuinely believed the legend of the divine origin of GdaƄsk palladium.He allegedly gave the city itself Minerva.Goddess of War, unfortunately, did not protect from the fall of Troy.Magic palladium was brought to Rome and placed in the temple of Vesta.Since then, as it is believed he was there and is defending the residents of the Eternal City from all troubles.

Roman goddess Minerva

There is such a thing as the "Capitoline Triad".It means a major Roman gods.These include and Minerva.It is revered in the Capitol along with Juno and Jupiter.That is to say, he moved to Rome, Minerva loses part of its militancy.It is in this city was considered the patroness of all kinds of crafts, handicrafts and arts.When a person begins to understand, Minerva - the goddess of what in ancient Rome, it is facing a list of professionals who considered her his guardian.She was worshiped by artists, musicians, teachers and poets.As in Athens, the women certainly bring home its image.Minerva patronized them in moments of class in creative activities or crafts.But the soldiers did not forget about the goddess.She was depicted on billboards and armor as a talisman against evil.Today such artifacts can be seen in museums.

Image Minerva

Warriors have had several required attributes.Goddess Minerva (photo) presented to the public as a woman - a warrior.In the hands it certainly was a spear, with which she was born.The head is usually decorated with red helmet.In addition, a number depicting an owl and a snake.It was her personal symbols.Owl spoke about the thoughtfulness and care inhabitant of heaven.She also told people that Minerva can not be deceived.And in the case of such attempts - unsuccessful, as promised by the image - in the hands or on the helmet present a snake.She promised a fair and inevitable punishment to the sinner or the villain.It should be noted that it has not honored the harsh nature, but for the love of the beautiful.Every talented person as were certain ancient people could rely on its special relationship and an indispensable aid in the works.

holiday in honor of the goddess

The people gathered for celebrations dedicated to Minerva, in late March.They lasted for five days and had the name "kvinkvatrii."The celebrations were attended by representatives of all professions, who patronized goddess.Particularly pleasing events such students.It was a kind of vacation.On the first day kvinkvatorii disciples were instructed not to engage in, and bring her teacher pay for work.Interestingly, in the period in military operations have been conducted.If they started earlier, necessarily interrupted.

all citizens were supposed to honor the goddess, to make sacrifices, and together with other people to celebrate.By the way, Minerva did not require blood handouts.She donated cakes, flavored with butter and honey.Especially loved the celebrations trumpeters.It was a highly respected profession in ancient Rome.She was accompanied by representatives of all significant events (funerals, rituals and ceremonies).At the end of kvinkvatry trumpeters consecrated its tools.

First Creative Association

Such, believed to be the board of writers and actors, created in Rome in the distant seven hundred BC.Then honor the city enjoyed Livius Andronicus, a poet and a writer of plays.He decided to join colleagues around the temple of Minerva.It was she who became their patron and inspiration.Later, she began to worship other peaceful professionals.Among them, point to doctors and musicians, teachers and handy people.So if you hear the question, "Minerva - the goddess of what?", Do not get lost.We can say that it protects soldiers-liberators (justice) and the social sphere.This error will not.

gladiatorial games

Rome could not find his undying fame, if not for its traditions.In honor of Minerva, there is bound held gladiator fights.It also was the goddess of beauty.Ancient people believed the strength and agility as an outstanding, no worse than works of art.Interestingly, the winners of the competition were presented special amphora.They were made for this celebration.Amphora decorated with scenes of the competitions and the figure of Minerva.They fill them, usually oil.You know where the cups go now taken?It is from those ancient traditions that existed before our era.In Athens, Minerva portrayed the precious fabrics, created by the hands of famous urban dwellers.In the temple they brought a solemn procession.

Features Greek Minerva

We call the goddess Athena.Basically, it's the same thing.The Greeks honored it as the founder of the Areopagus.So he called the highest state court in Athens.Minerva (Athena) is credited with the invention of ships and construction of the first chariot.It is believed that the deity is to give people the pipe and flute, learned to make pottery and spin.She also told how to prepare the food.It has survived many legends about Athena.She was involved in the feat of Prometheus and the struggle with the giant Hercules and stymphalian birds.And Perseus without its spear could not cope with the Gorgon Medusa.There Minerva and sacrifice.So, according to legend, she turned Arachne into a spider princess.Tiresias lost his sight at all for what he saw Minerva naked while bathing.Then he regretted the goddess and endowed the gift of prophecy.Athenians loved celebrations dedicated to this deity.People whose field neighbors, gathered together and feasts.A must have been a sacrifice.Cakes and honey were in the temple.

Disputes gods

People in the ancient gods endowed their own ideas of right and wrong.This is clearly seen in the study of Greek mythology.For the actions of the gods interesting to watch from the perspective of the present, is not perfect morality.The mere deprivation of Tiresias - think, to admire the beauty of the unique and beautiful young body!The ancient people believed that the gods were fighting for their attention.Thus, the argument that the inhabitants of heaven, after whom is named the chief city of ancient Greece.They made a kind of contest.It Minerva opposed to Poseidon.Judged of the twelve gods, headed by Zeus.Poseidon is credited with creating the horse.According to other sources, he struck his trident into the rock salt has created a source.Minerva also granted to the people by olive groves.They were more valuable in the eyes of the people.The city was named in her honor - Athens.

Outcome: who patronized Minerva?

Surely understand its preferences layman is difficult.What to do?In ancient times such a clear division in the profession did not exist.Goddess worship of doctors and teachers, artists and artisans.To it came as a blessing for those who have dropped out to organize the share of urban life.The soldiers of all nations, too, do not forget about Minerva.She took care of peace and come to the rescue in the days of battles.The main thing that distinguishes it from other deities, is taking care of the territory and the people living on it.Perhaps it is the first known symbol of normal state power.Or in other words, people dream of such.Anyway, it unifies and supporting citizens in times of danger or battles.Therefore, for the goddess Minerva, its fame as a just war.