Do we like them?

Do we like Athena?

A character from Greek mythology (the Iliad, the Odyssey and the Athenian myths) (c. 8th century BCE o)

Our score: 7 out of 10. Yes, mostly. She is the wise strategist who backs clever heroes and fights for justice. Just don't insult her, because she holds a grudge.

Athena is one of the twelve Olympians. She is the goddess of war, handicraft and practical reason, and the protector of cities. In Hesiod's telling she was born fully grown and in armour from the head of Zeus. Her symbols are the owl, the snake and the olive tree.

Athena is the clear-headed side of war. In the Iliad she fights alongside the Greek heroes, and she stands for justice and skill in battle, in contrast to the bloodlust of Ares. She is a mentor figure who likes cunning, courage and good planning, and she is a patron to clever heroes such as Odysseus. Her best-known win is the contest with Poseidon over Athens, where she offered the olive tree and the city took her as its patron.

Her flaw is her pride and temper. Some myths show her punishing mortals who offend her or cross her. Arachne, the weaver who boasted she could outdo the goddess, is the best-known example. Medusa is another, and the way Athena treats her is the hardest thing to defend.

We score her a 7. She is wise, loyal to her chosen heroes, and good for the world, with civilisation, craft and fair fighting all in her care. The lost points are for a grudge-holding streak that makes her a divine ally you would want to keep happy.