THE MYTH OF OLIVE TREE

When Cecrops was king in ancient Athens, Athena (Minerva)

and Poseidon climbed to the Acropolis to claim it. The one who
would make the best gift to the city of Athens would become its
protector. The rest gods of Olympus gathered also there.

Poseidon came first, stood in the middle of the rock and struck
the ground with his trident. A wave of salty water sprang
immediately and formed a small lake, which was called
""Erechthiida sea. The people admired the gift, but the water
was salty as the sea and not very useful for the city.

Then, the turn of the goddess Athena came to present her gift.
She called Cecrops to witness and there, upon a rock, she planted
an olive tree, which immediately sprang, full of precious fruit.
The olive tree was considered a most valuable gift, as it will offer
to the Athenians oil and wood.

After the gift of Athena, Zeus declared the end of the duel. He
told the other gods to judge which one is worthy to protect this
city. He also consulted Cecrops, who considered that the most
precious gift for the city is the one of Athena.
So, the goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom, became the patron of
the city of Athens.

O
,

.
.
.

,
.

. ,

.

,
.
,
.
,
, .

 ,
.
.
,
.
, , ,
.