Orphic Hymn 32: To Athena

From the section of poems written to Athena, translated by Harry B. Powell in "Greek Poems to the Gods: Hymns from Homer to Proclus."

The poem chosen reads, “The hymnist prays for the benefaction of Athena, slayer of the Giants. Pallas,° only begotten one, reverend child of Zeus, blessed shining goddess who raises the din of war, strong in spirit, warlike, celebrated, great of name, dweller in caves, who traverses the rocky hilltops and shadowy mountains—you delight in the valleys! You delight in arms, stinging the souls of men with madness! O athletic maid, with a shivery heart!”

Created by Brygos Painter, this painting depicts the goddess Athena holding a helmet in one hand and a spear in the other. She stands in the center and faces her head to the side, looking at a small owl that is on the left of her. Athena is draped in a goat skin aegis, a powerful leather cloak or breastplate known for its supernatural abilities. She also wears a shawl that has a fringe of serpents as well as a Gorgon's head positioned at its center, adding an extra layer of mythic symbolism.