The Greek Legend of the Olive Tree

Why Athens Was Named Athens: The Myth, the Olive Tree, and the Goddess Elais

Athens, the heart of ancient Greece, is not just a city of philosophy, democracy, and art—it carries a name deeply rooted in mythology. The story of how Athens got its name is one of rivalry, wisdom, and the enduring significance of the olive tree.

The Contest of Athena and Poseidon

According to Greek mythology, the city was once nameless, and the gods Poseidon and Athena both wished to become its patron deity. To settle the dispute, Zeus declared that each god should offer a gift to the people, and the Athenians would choose the one most valuable.

Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, struck the ground with his trident, creating a saltwater spring (or, in some versions, a horse). While impressive, it wasn’t of much practical use to the people. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, planted an olive tree—an extraordinary gift that provided food, oil, wood, and shade. The Athenians, recognizing the olive tree’s immense value, declared Athena the victor, and the city was named Athens in her honor.

The Significance of the Olive Tree

The olive tree became a sacred symbol of Athena and a foundation of Athenian life. It represented:

Peace and Prosperity – Olive oil was essential for cooking, medicine, and religious rituals.

Economic Power – Athens flourished through the trade of its renowned olive oil.

Strength and Longevity – Olive trees live for centuries, symbolizing resilience and endurance.

Olive Branches in the Olympic Games

The olive tree’s significance extended beyond Athens and played a key role in the ancient Olympic Games, first held in Olympia in 776 BCE. Victorious athletes were not awarded gold medals as they are today but were instead crowned with a kotinos—a wreath made from wild olive branches, cut from a sacred tree near the temple of Zeus. This symbolized honor, victory, and divine blessing, reinforcing the olive tree’s connection to strength and excellence in Greek culture.

Who Was the Goddess Elais?

Elais, whose name means “olive” in Greek, was one of the Oenotropae, three sisters gifted with the divine power to transform anything into wine, grain, or olive oil. She was associated with the abundance of olives and their connection to nourishment, mirroring the blessings Athena bestowed upon Athens. While not as widely known as Athena, Elais played a role in Greek mythology as a symbol of the gods’ generosity, ensuring the land thrived with sustenance.

A Legacy That Endures

The myth of Athens and the olive tree reminds us of the deep cultural and economic importance of this sacred plant in Greek life. From ancient times to today, Greek olive oil remains a prized commodity, carrying the legacy of Athena and the enduring power of the olive tree.