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The story explains itself, so enjoy!
Arkas was relaxing at home after eating his
fill at the evening meal. He
had just worked a hard day in the
fields because it was harvest – that
plentiful season.
Huh, he thought, crops aren’t the only things the harvest brings plenty of. My back’s
been aching since mid-morning!
He had sent for his nephew, Kheiron,
from his sister’s house to help with the harvest this year. And, if he wasn’t
mistaken, he could just see the
lad trotting up the road.
Perfect timing, he thought. Just in time for supper,
but not for any of the work that earns it. Oh well, it’ll
be nice to have his young back working tomorrow . . . maybe give
mine a break!
Kheiron, only being 12, was much more concerned with filling his stomach and chasing bugs than sitting and spending time with his old Uncle Arkas. But, being a respectful lad he came over to say hello. He knew this would only invite his Uncle to begin one of his lengthy, and often boring, stories, but what choice did he have?
“Did I ever tell you about how our great city of Athens got
its name, Kheiron?”
“No”, he replied with a sigh.
“Well, hop on up and get comfortable, because this is a story an citizen of Athens should be able to recite from memory!” Uncle
Arkas drew in a long breath, settled himself into a comfortable position, and
began his story.
“There was a new, powerful city growing rapidly in Greece, and it was in need of an equally powerful god or goddess to be its benefactor. It also needed a name. The Divine Community was in an uproar over who would get to add their name and blessings to this city. Now, this wouldn’t have been such an important decision if this were some po-dunk backwoods town. No, this town was destined to be great, and its name would be on everyone’s
lips. So, you can see why it was important to the gods to convince the townspeople
that he or she should be the protector of the city.”
At this point Uncle Arkas turned
his full attention on his nephew,
and in his best professor’s voice he asked, “What
is that the Gods desire over
all else, Kheiron?”
The words “Loyalty, sacrifices, and fame” rolled off of Kheiron’s tongue just as easily as the last thousand times he’d repeated this platitude. It was one of his uncle’s
favorites.
Pleased that his nephew was such
an astute student, Arkas continued. “Obviously a contest between
all of the gods would be a ridiculous
matter. There were simply too
many of them. Therefore, it was decided that the two most powerful
deities without a city to their name should go down and speak with
the citizens of this un-named city. Naturally, the powerful Athena,
and her uncle the great and mighty Poseidon were the best candidates
for the job.”
“These two deities talked with the citizens and a simple
contest was devised. Whosoever could
produce the most glorious gift to the citizens shall earn naming rights for the
city.”
“Now Kheiron, what does Poseidon hold power over?”
Without a moment’s hesitation Kheiron piped up with “THE SEA!” He had spent many long harvest nights learning the ins and outs of Olympus, whether he’d wanted to know or not. This story seemed a bit more interesting than the other catalogues he’d
heard, and he began listening
a little more intently.
“Now since Poseidon is lord over all the seas, he immediately
threw down his trident and the sea we now know as the Erechtheis
sprang from its forks! The citizens were awed and amazed by this,
and turned with high hopes to the Goddess Athena to see what miracle
she might bring them.”
“Athena, in her great wisdom, devised to give these citizens something that would not only amaze them, but would become something they could not live without. And, with a flick of her wrist she created the Olive Tree. The citizens were so amazed at its sweet fruit, and majestic branches that they at once fell at the goddess’ feet
and pledged their loyalty to her.”
“So you see, Kheiron, the Goddess Athena is who we have to
thank for the olive tree and everything it gives to us. Her wonderful
gift is why the citizens named their city Athens.”
Nodding his head very slightly
to acknowledge his Uncle Arkas’ story, Kheiron excused himself
to go off and chase some particularly
exciting looking bugs.
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In this way Athena gave her name to one of the most important city-states in Greece. This story shows Athena's great importance to both Athens and Greek citizens in general. She gave them the gift of the olive tree, which is used in everyday rituals as well as religious observances. You can also get a glimpse at Athena's wisdom because she knew her choice of miracles would impact the citizens much more thoroughly than the creation of a sea. She was able to discern what would be the perfect gift to win over the citizens.
If you want to reference the text online, it can be found on the Perseus Server.
(Library and Epitome, Apollodorus)
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