how is she interpreted in modern culture?
She is a symbol of female empowerment while some see her the modern feminist symbol of breaking all barriers
Athena
symbol of female empowerment
in ancient athenian drama who played the roles of all the female characters Women were excluded from participating in drama what legal rights did women have? Women had some disabilities at law compared to men and were denied any legal rights were there any festivals specially for women? Thesmophoria, Brauronia and the Arrhephoria what was women's place in terms of religion? Religion was the one area of public life in which women could participate freely did women have economic independence? Economic power of Athenian women was legally constrained. Athenian women were forbidden from entering a contract worth more than a "medimnos" of barley, enough to feed an average family for six days why was the third festival celebrated? To honor Athena what was the second festival about? Brauron is celebrated on account of the worship of Artemis Brauronia, in whose honour a festival was celebrated in this place. from where did the goddess in whose honor the third festival was celebrated, get her name? The word is derived from the Greek term "arrhephoros", which is composed of meanings, "mystery", and , "I carry". The word "arrhephoros" means "dew carrier." what are the myths associated with her? On the Athenian Acropolis two girls aged between seven and eleven were elected to live for a year at a time as arrhephoroi, tending the sacred olive tree and weaving, with the help of other women, the new robe for Athena is there any symbolism associated with her? Impregnation (dew), sexual power what are her attributes? Athena was known as "Atrytone" ( "the Unwearying"), "Parthenos" ( "Virgin"), and "Promachos" ( "she who fights in front").
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Athena [SEP] Modern interpretations
One of Sigmund Freud's most treasured possessions was a small, bronze sculpture of Athena, which sat on his desk. Freud once described Athena as "a woman who is unapproachable and repels all sexual desires - since she displays the terrifying genitals of the Mother." Feminist views on Athena are sharply divided; some feminists regard her as a symbol of female empowerment, while others regard her as "the ultimate patriarchal sell out... who uses her powers to promote and advance men rather than others of her sex." In contemporary Wicca, Athena is venerated as an aspect of the Goddess and some Wiccans believe that she may bestow the "Owl Gift" ("the ability to write and communicate clearly") upon her worshippers.