APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Cypriot Mythology - Legend #1: The Legend of the Olive Tree

In ancient times, the Greeks measured their wealth in olive trees. It was a source of wealth because it lived on dry and barren lands. Moreover, people believe that the tree is a symbol of peace and friendship. As such, the olive tree has become a sacred symbol holding economic and spiritual value.

You can find the origins of these symbols and myths in stories written before the birth of Christ, particularly in Cypriot mythology in the city of Athens. During ancient times, much like today, the olive tree was a symbol of the whole Mediterranean. It served as a source of food, timber, and small woodenware.

Athens's name in ancient times was Cecropia, after the legendary half man half snake called Cecrops - the supposed first Athenian King. Under his rule, the conurbation flourished into a beautiful and sprawling city.

The Olympian gods yearned to possess the city. They felt Cecropia should have a patron god and be named after the deity, much like the other city-states.

Heated arguments brewed between gods, especially between Athena, the goddess of wisdom and military victory, and Poseidon, the god of the sea.

Athena was unlike the other gods and goddesses who were ruled by their temperament. Instead, Athena viewed obstacles with rationale and pragmatism. While her uncle, Poseidon, emotional fluctuations often resulted in violence.

Zeus couldn't let their contention grow out of hand. Consequently, the King of the Gods decreed that Poseidon and Athena must compete and choose a gift for the city and its King, Cecrops. The one who bestowed the best conferment on the King, the city, and its people would be deemed the city's patron.

Cecrops, the King, and his people climbed to the highest point to await the presentations of the two rival gods.

Poseidon drove his mighty trident into the Athenian Acropolis, which became a well. He believed that his offering was wonderful and that the people would never have to suffer from drought again. They ran to taste the newly-made spring. However, their eagerness soon changed to disappointment as the liquid tasted of salt, much like the sea which Poseidon controlled. The citizens hoped that the gift the Goddess Athena would bestow on them next would be more useful.

Here is where, like many mythological stories, come the multiple versions. In one scene, the goddess of wisdom and strategy brought with her a seed that she planted in the ground, and an olive tree sprung next to the well. In other versions of the story, Athena strikes the earth much like Poseidon, and an olive tree grows out of the ground.

The King and the people determined that it was goddess Athena who should be the city's patron because she had given the city the greatest gift: the first olive tree. They knew it would produce food, oil, and wood for their fires.

Henceforth, the city was renamed from Cecropia to Athens. Its citizens built beautiful temples dedicated to the goddess. For ages, the olive tree planted by Athena in the Acropolis was cherished as a symbol of her victory.

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