Athena and Poseidon's Contest for Athens

What is the main theme of the myth?

• Democratic contests are more just and preferable than war.

• Don't trust anyone who has been untrustworthy in the past.

• A useful gift is better than a dramatic one.

• Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Which quote from the text best supports the main theme?

• "Their rivalry was so intense that they almost went to war and just as they were about to attack each other, Athena, with her typical, wise approach suggested that they should hold a contest for the city."

• "This turned out to be a much more useful gift, granting the Athenians not only the olives themselves as sustenance, but also a source of oil for their lamps and for cooking their food as well as the wood from the olive tree to build their boats and houses."

• "Athena became the protector of the city (polis)... As patron of Athens, she fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Achaeans."

• "The Sea God Poseidon however was not at all pleased by all of this, and in a wild fury he flooded the Thriasian plain, drowning Attika under his salty sea."

What is a "founding myth"?

• A myth about the origins of a hero or heroine.

• A myth about the downfall of a successful city.

• A myth about the creation of a god or goddess.

• A myth about the origins of a place or community.

Why is "Athena and Poseidon's Contest for Athens" an example of a founding myth?

• It tells a story about how Athens was named and acquired olive trees.

• It tells a story in which the gods created the city of Athens from nothing.

• It tells a story about how the gods tricked humans into worshiping them.

• It tells a story about how the gods chose the land that would eventually become Athens.

How are the details about Poseidon's and Athena's characters important to the development of the myth's theme?

• Poseidon's dramatic gift highlights the importance of showmanship.

• Athena's useful gift demonstrates the value of practicality and utility.

• Poseidon's anger shows the destructive power of the sea.

• Athena's wisdom and intelligence make her a better choice as a patron deity.

What was the outcome of the contest between Athena and Poseidon?

• Athena won and became the patron deity of Athens.

• Poseidon won and became the patron deity of Athens.

• The contest ended in a tie and both gods became patrons of Athens.

• The contest was canceled before a winner could be determined.

What gift did Poseidon present to the city of Athens?

• An olive tree

• A trident

• A sea of salt

• A spring of fresh water

What gift did Athena present to the city of Athens?

• An olive tree

• A trident

• A sea of salt

• A spring of fresh water

What did the Athenians use the olive tree for?

• Sustenance

• Oil for lamps and cooking

• Building boats and houses

• All of the available choices

What did Poseidon do in response to losing the contest?

• He flooded the Thriasian plain and drowned Attika under his salty sea.

• He accepted the decision and congratulated Athena.

• He challenged Athena to a rematch.

• He left Athens and never returned.