Hymn 28 — To Athena

Of Pallas Athene, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is she, and with Ares she loves deeds of war, the sack of cities and the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as they go out to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good fortune with happiness!

For Athena sprang from the head of aegis-bearing Zeus, clad in armor of war: and awe seized all the immortal gods as they gazed. Quickly, from his immortal head, she leapt to stand before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking her sharp spear. Great Olympus began to reel horribly at the might of the bright-eyed goddess.

The earth rang terribly and the sea was moved and tossed with dark waves, while foam burst forth suddenly. The bright Sun stayed his swift-footed horses a long while, until the maiden Pallas Athene had stripped the heavenly armor from her immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. Hail to you, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus! Now I will remember you and another song also.