The Olive Tree (Mythology)
, by Apostolos Magkoulias, 1 min reading time
The Olive Tree (Mythology)
The Olive Tree (Mythology)
The olive tree was the symbol of the whole Mediterranean area during ancient times. It served as a source of food and olive oil.
The origin of the Olive trees in the city of Athens is explained through the intervention of the Goddess Athena. This goddess was the daughter of Zeus (supreme God of Greek mythology) and Metis who symbolized prudence and cunning. Athena was a warrior Goddess, the Goddess of justice and wisdom and protector of arts and literature. Her sacred animal was the owl and the olive tree was one of her most recognized symbols.
The reason that the olive tree symbolized the Goddess is explained through the following mythic passage:
Poseidon, God of the seas and Zeus’ brother, coveted earthly kingdoms and so claimed the possession of Attica, driving his trident into the Athenian Acropolis which became a well of salt water. Later, Athena came to town and took it in a very peaceful way calling Cecrops, first King of Athens, as a witness. Athena made an olive tree spring from just next to the well. Poseidon, in anger, challenged the goddess, but Zeus intervened and ordered the formation of a divine tribunal to decide which of the two Gods should be enshrined in the city. Thus, the tribunal formed by the Olympic deities, after listening to the testimony of Cecrops decided to side with Athena. It was determined that it was she who had the right to own the land because she had given the city the greatest gift: the first olive tree. Thenceforth, the city adopted the name of Athens and the olive tree planted by Athena was revered for centuries in the Acropolis symbolizing the victory.
In Greece the olive tree symbolizes peace and prosperity, as well as resurrection and hope.
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Nutrient composition of extra virgin olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil against diabetes
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Oleocanthal, the olive oil substance against Alzheimer
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil against the pain of the period
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias How to make your own flavored olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias How long maintains its quality the extra virgin olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias How crushing speed affect quality and quantity of olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias How low temperatures can help olive oil production
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Hydration of the skin with olive oil
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Honey and cinnamon against cold
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Guide to olive oil tasting
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias How does the Mediterranean diet help with dementia?
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Honey, the food of Zeus
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Mediterranean diet, a weapon for fighting cardiovascular problems
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Extra virgin olive oil against cardiovascular disease
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Cretan diet, a proper meal
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Gin distilled from extra virgin olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Crete, a herb paradise
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Frying with olive oil is safe according to researchers
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Cocktail with olive oil, the new trend of bars
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias A different way of using olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Bathing with olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias A study shows that even a delayed adoption of a healthier diet can help
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Breakfast is the “most important meal of the day”
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil and aloe vera, the combination of natural moisturizing
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil reverses the metabolic syndrome
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Why olive oil is the healthiest fat
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias 8 great painters who painted the olive tree
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias 10 Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil That You Can’t Ignore
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil and frying
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias What are polyphenols and what are their benefits in olive oil?
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil for bone health
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The olive oil quality standards
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil as lighting fuel source
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Small tasty tips of olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The olive oil in ancient Greece
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil production process
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Storing Olive Oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil for healthy hair
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The history of olive tree and olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Remedy of chapped lips using olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is the Healthiest Fat on Earth
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil, the Green Gold
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil and skin care
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil from wild olives
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil with garlic for ear infection
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil soap
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Wood treatment with olive oil
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The oldest olive oil press in Anatolia
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Table Olives: the Mediterranean taste in a fruit
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive varieties of Crete
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil as a preservative
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil ice cubes with herbs
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias New thinking on daily food goals – Harvard Health
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olives collection procedure
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The pruning of olive tree
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The symbolism of the olive tree in Christianity
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Watering olive tree
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The olive tree in interior design
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The olive fruit ripening process
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive tree and the Olympic Games
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The iconic status of olive in the Martini cocktail
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias One of the oldest olive trees in the world
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The Olive Tree (Mythology)
Blog posts
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Polyphenols against allergies
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olive oil in salads increases the absorption of nutrients
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias Olives: Nutrition and health benefits
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias What is Mediterranean Diet?
-
, by Apostolos Magkoulias The Mediterranean diet against rheumatoid arthritis
