Olive tree in Acropolis, Athens

Athena’s Olive Tree

When Athena and Poseidon vied for Athens and Attica a contest occurred on the Acropolis where Poseidon produced a salt spring by striking a rock with his trident and Athena planted an Olive tree–more like made one appear out of the ground with her spear. The Olive tree and Athena were declared victorious. (Classical Greek Mythology Chapter 5 page 105). This demonstrates the value Greeks thought the Olive tree provided and Athena was named the man deity of Athens. The citizens of Athens and the King, Cecrops had judged that Athena’s gift was more valuable to the city as it had more uses such as the olives itself for food, oil for necessities such as light in lamps and cooking, wood for construction and leaves for decoration in ceremonies. (GreekMythology.org). The Olive tree, Moria, deemed sacred along with its descendants was protected by Greek laws and integrated into many religious practices later on securing its place in everyday life and economy in ancient Athens which illustrates that this goes beyond mythology. For example, during the annual Greek festival, Panathenaia– which is a festival held in the patroness, protector, and benefactor Athena’s honor, there was an array of activities that interweaved myths into Greek festivities. In contemporary times today, olives and olive oil remain a central part of Greek culture, influence, and economy. Olive oil has even been coined “Liquid gold” and is a staple in Greek cuisines. The olive tree has a symbolic meaning similar to Athena’s: peace, prosperity, and wisdom. I believe the Greek people and King choosing Athena’s tree was very important to understanding the values the Greeks preferred. Poseidon showed a great deal of strength in offering his salt spring but strength was not valued over the practicality the olive tree brought. This is also another facet of why Athena was so heavily praised and worshiped. Everyone values might which is why Poseidon was still worshiped in Athens, but the strength that Athena offered was entwined with wisdom which also shows up in the Olive tree’s offering. Some sources say Athena used to be a fertility goddess like many female goddesses were, but her image transformed into the virgin and war leader later on which is why I personally also revere Athena– as a figure amongst other male war gods such as Poseidon and Ares–Athena offers different representation and demonstrates an insight on the Greek’s views on women and gender roles as well.

Citations

• Classical Greek Mythology M. Morford, R.J. Lenardon, and M. Sham
• “Greek Goddesses Athena” Greek Mythology, 2023 https://greek-mythology.org/blogs/greek-goddesses/athena