Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and just war

Ancient Olympus ... Who do we know from its inhabitants? Ordinary people unless Zeus or Jupiter can call. However, the Romans and Greeks populated their sky with a huge number of patrons and overlords. Do you know who Minerva is? This goddess disposed of? In what cases was it treated? Let's look at this extraordinary character in detail. Perhaps you will agree with the opinion of ancient peoples that the goddess of wisdom of Minerva is the most respected and revered in mythology.

Whose she is Greek or Roman?

This question, perhaps, anyone will ask himself, who will be interested in Minerva. The goddess appears in the mythology of both named peoples. Only the ancient Greeks called it Athena. In other respects, the images echoed with each other. The Roman goddess Minerva was originally devoid of belligerence. She was considered the patroness of people of creative professions. To such referred artisans and philosophers, poets and sculptors. Home craftsmen also went to her for inspiration. Minerva - the goddess of female needlework, believed the ancient Roman women. However, the Greeks also worshiped her luminous image. They built the temples of Minerva, calling it Athena. Honored the same goddess for wisdom, justice and prudence. In addition, it was believed by the inhabitants of ancient Greece, protected cities and states, gave ideas and ideas to scientists, and creative abilities to artisans.

The legend of how Minerva was born

The goddess with such extraordinary talents could not be born, as a mere mortal. Her story is full of barbaric charm and cunning. It is believed that Minerva is the favorite daughter of Zeus. And he gave birth to it himself, in a way unusual and perverted. Moira whispered to him that his own son from the wise Metis would cause his death. Zeus such a turn of events did not suit, of course. The same prophetesses warned him that Metis was pregnant. The light must have different-sexed twins of power and mind of the extraordinary. Without thinking twice, Zeus swallowed his wife. After a certain time, he was tormented by a severe headache. To get rid of it, Zeus ordered Hephaestus to cut his skull. From the head of his father appeared to the world Minerva, the goddess of warriors and just warriors. She was in full arms and helmet.

Symbols of Minerva

This goddess gave humanity many attributes, and now adorned with coats of arms and banners. Thus, the olive branch represents justice and peaceful development, people's desire for peace. Even the goddess Minerva is associated with an owl. It is a symbol of wisdom among many nations. The owl watches more than fusses, does not take ill-considered actions. The power of the goddess is a huge snake. It was depicted in temples, on frescoes, objects of everyday life. It was believed that the building, where this image is present, is guarded by the goddess Minerva. Since she was ranked among the strongest inhabitants of the heavens, many worshiped her. Her image could be found in almost any home. Artisans expected assistance from her in the works, state men craved protection in political intrigues. And women sought in her image of success in their home affairs. In Ancient Greece, her images in the temples were of two kinds. Pallas was considered an invincible warrior. Poliada was a defender of cities and states, a kind of judge and prosecutor in one person.

Miracles and Minerva

The goddess-warrior was often embodied in marble and wood. From this sculptural work the name "palladium" has occurred. In fact, this is a wooden image of a divine warrior. People believed (and even now many believe it) that it has miraculous properties. Such an image defended the legendary Troy. Everyone sincerely believed the legend of the divine origin of the palladium there. It allegedly gave the city itself Minerva. Unfortunately, the goddess of war did not save Troy from falling. The magic palladium was transported to Rome and placed in the temple of Vesta. Since then, as it is believed, it is there that it is, protecting the inhabitants of the Eternal City from all kinds 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 revered in the Capitol with Juno and Jupiter. So to say, having moved to Rome, Minerva loses some of its militancy. Her in this city was considered the patroness of all kinds of crafts, needlework and arts. When a person begins to understand, Minerva, the goddess of what is in ancient Rome, is confronted with a whole list of professionals who considered her a guardian. She was worshiped by artists, musicians, teachers and poets. As in Athens, women always brought her picture to the house. Minerva patronized them in moments of engaging in creative activity or needlework. But the warriors did not forget about the goddess. She was depicted on shields and armor as a guard against evil. Today such artifacts can be seen in museums.

Image of Minerva

The warrior had several mandatory attributes. The goddess Minerva (photo) was introduced to the public as a warrior woman. She had a spear in her hand, 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 alongside. These were her personal symbols. The owl talked about the thoughtfulness and attentiveness of a resident of heaven. She also told the man that Minerva could not be deceived. And in the case of such an attempt - unsuccessful, as the image promised - in the hands or on the helmet there was a snake. She promised a just and unavoidable punishment to a sinner or a villain. It should be noted that she was honored not for harsh temper, but for the love of beauty. Any talented person, as the ancient people were sure, could hope for her special attitude and indispensable help in her labors.

Holidays in honor of the goddess

Lud was going to the celebrations dedicated to Minerva, in late March. They lasted for five days, and the name was "quinquatria." Representatives of all professions, who were patronized by the goddess, took part in the festivities. Particularly pleased with such events of the students. It was a kind of vacation. On the first day of the quinquatorium, the students were instructed not to attend, but to pay their teacher for the labors. It is interesting that in the described period of military operations was not conducted. 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 pancakes, flavored with butter and honey. Especially liked these trumpets trumpeters. It was a highly respected profession in ancient Rome. Its representatives accompanied all significant events (funerals, rituals and ceremonies). At the end of the quinquatry trumpeters consecrated their instruments.

The first creative association

Such, it is believed, is the College of Writers and Actors, established in Rome in the distant two hundred and seventh year BC. Then honor in the city enjoyed Livy Andronicus, a poet and songwriter. He decided to unite his colleagues around the temple of Minerva. She became their patroness and inspirer. Later, other peaceful professionals began to worship her. Among them are doctors and musicians, teachers and needlewomen. So, if you hear the question: "Minerva - the goddess of what?", Do not get lost. We can say that it protects the soldiers-liberators (justice) and the social sphere. Errors in this will not happen.

Gladiator Games

Rome could not find its unfading glory, if not for its traditions. In honor of Minerva, gladiatorial fights were held there. It was the goddess of the beautiful. Ancient people considered strength and dexterity to be outstanding qualities, no worse than works of art. It is interesting that special amphoras were presented to the winners of the competitions. They were made for this celebration. Decorated with amphora scenes of the competitions themselves and the figure of Minerva. Filled them, as a rule, with oil. Do you understand where the cups come from now? 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 townspeople. A solemn procession was taking them to the temple.

Features of Ancient Greek Minerva

We will call the goddess Athena. In principle, this is the same thing. The Greeks honored her as the founder of the Areopagus. This was the name of the highest state court of Athens. Minerva (Athena) is credited with the invention of ships and the construction of the first chariot. It was believed that it was this deity who gave trumpets and flutes to people, taught them how to make ceramic utensils and spin them. She told me how to prepare food. Till our days many legends about Athene have reached. She is involved in the feat of Prometheus and the struggle of Hercules with the giant and Stimphalian birds. And Perseus without her spear could not cope with Medusa Gorgon. Minerva also has victims. So, according to the legends, she turned Princess Arachne into a spider. Tiresy generally lost sight for seeing Minerva naked during bathing. Then the goddess took pity on him and gave him a prophetic gift. The Athenians loved the celebrations dedicated to this deity. People, whose fields were neighbors, gathered together and held feasts. Obligation was sacrifice. Cakes and honey were worn in the temple.

Disputes of the gods

People in ancient times endowed the celestials with their own ideas about good and evil. This is clearly seen in the study of Greek mythology. Behind the actions of the gods is curious to observe from the point of view of the present, by no means perfect morality. Only the deprivation of sight Tiresia - think, admired the beauty of a unique young and beautiful body! Even the ancient people believed that the gods fought for their attention. So, the celestials argued about the name of the main city of ancient Greece in honor of whom. They arranged a kind of competition. In it Minerva confronted Poseidon. Judged by their twelve deities, led by Zeus. Poseidon attributed to the creation of a horse. According to other sources, he created a salt source in the rocks with a trident blow. Minerva also gave the people olive groves. They were more valuable in the eyes of people. The city was named in her honor - Athens.

Result: who was patronized by Minerva?

Certainly it is rather difficult to understand her preferences to a layman. What to do? In ancient times, such a clear division into the profession did not exist. This goddess was worshiped by doctors and teachers, art workers and artisans. To her, the blessing came those who had a share in the city life. Warriors of all nations also did not forget about Minerva. She cared for a peaceful life and came to help in the days of battles. The main thing that distinguishes it from other deities is the care of the territory and the people living on it. Perhaps it is the first known symbol of normal state power. Or, in another way, people's dreams of such. In any case, her image united and supported the townspeople in times of danger or battles. Therefore, Minerva was fortified with the glory of the goddess of a just war.