Athena was born in ancient Attica long before it became the city of Athens. She was the
daughter of the Attic king, Kosmetis, and his wife, Metis. Metis was a Pelasgian, the
people who ruled Attica before Kosmetis' people, the Achaeans, conquered the region, bringing
their new goddess and new ways. These they imposed on the Pelasgians, creating a rift that
refuses to heal between the two cultures.
The Pelasgians had been ruled by a queen who had a "Corn King," a husband she "sacrificed"
after seven years. The Achaeans, on the other hand, were ruled by a king who demanded
a son follow him or he would choose his successor from among his male relatives.
Metis' marriage to Kosmetis was purely political. It was hoped that their union would
force the Pelasgians to accept their defeat. They did accept it, but not with the grace
with which the Achaeans had hoped. They still refused to worship the Achaean goddess,
and accepted their fate only as long as Metis did.
When Athena was born, the birth damaged Metis' womb so she could bear no more children.
Athena was allowed to run free, for the most part, and indulge in her tomboy ways. She
strongly resented the changes in her body as she grew, because it made it harder to shoot
an arrow, climb and do all the things she did as a child. On top of that, she became
beautiful. Her father wanted her to marry his brother Poseidon, but Athena hated the
promiscuous bully. If she married anyone, it would be Amoni, the blacksmith's son.
All's Fair in Love and War is the third in the Goddesses series. It is the
love story of Athena and Amoni and the difference between love and duty. If you love
romance, you'll love this tale. Pick up a copy and enjoy!