Athena's Desire for Power in The Birth of Athena and Athena and Arachne

Athena utilizes her strength and label as the goddess of tactical warfare to obtain power. Athena has “strength and wisdom equal to her father’s” and is armed with a “shield with Gorgon’s head” (“The Birth of Athena”). Notably, When visiting Arachne, Athena “[disguises] as an old woman with gray hair, half-crippled, her hobbling steps assisted by crooked cane” (Jewkes 123) and throughout her entire visit “[maintains] an attitude of defiance” (Jewkes 124). Athena was prophesied to be a Goddess of power due to her strength and ability to problem solve during conflicts. Specifically, these characteristics are symbolized by the shield she receives with Gorgon’s head. Gorgon’s head indicates the role she will play in conflicts and as a protector of Gods. Furthermore, by appearing to Arachne as an old woman Athena presented herself as someone who is weak and harmless. This presentation led Arachne to have a false sense of safety and allowed Athena to blindside Arachne with her power and real status as a goddess. Athena’s decision to portray herself as she did illustrates her usage of her tactical skills to gain an upper hand. In addition, Athena remains confident in her ability to obtain the outcome she wants and protect the reputation of the Gods. This ability demonstrates her mental strength. Definitely, Athena’s mental and physical strength allows her to stay in positions of power.

Athena proves to be quick to jealousy and she channels her jealousy to achieve her goal of ultimate power. Athena was incredibly jealous of women who excelled in “household arts, especially in spinning and weaving” (Jewkes 123). Arachne, a mortal, begins to win a weaving contest and  Athena’s pride overtakes her, and “she began to rain blows on Arachne’s head until the wretched girl could no longer bear it” (Jewkes 125). Significantly, Athena has always been praised as a figure of wisdom and strength. When she identifies a weakness within herself she instantly becomes envious of people who can outperform her. For example, Arachne flaunting her weaving and spinning abilities allured Athena into devising a plan that would allow her to prove herself worthy and capable. The weaving competition revealed Arachne was more skilled than Athena. Athena was not able to accept Arachne as Superior and inflicted immense pain on Arachne. The pain was so great the pain drives Arachne to attempt suicide. Therefore, Athena had achieved her goal and was now in full control and had the power to decide if Arachne lived or died.  Altogether, Athena’s envy towards others enables her to gain power over them.