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Virgin and Mother She is the rescuer from every danger and peril, the advisor for every tight spot, and the highest wisdom. The people's chiefs and leaders, as well as the whole people itself, are advised by Her; She presides over all local, tribal and national gatherings. She maintains life and health. She is the gracious, gentle nurse who takes the children of mankind to Herself, who makes mothers fertile and children grow and develop, who increases the stock of the people through a strong younger generation. She preserves the divine order in nature, protects the seedlings and fruits from damage, sows and tends the noble and nourishing olive trees; She teaches men how to manufacture the plow, how to yoke oxen, and how to loosen up the hard ground with the rake. From Her mankind receives the materials for all the arts that beautify life, and from Her the metal workers and the armssmiths, the housewives and weavers, receive their skillfulness. She gave mankind the bridle so that he could master the horse for his one use. Shipbuilders work under Her inspiration. She is enthroned protectively on the headlands, stirring up and stilling the storms. To Her the sailor offers thanks as he happily steps to land at his desired goal. She guides the wanderer and the stranger safely over the sea and land, and She accompanies the heroes on their adventures, fills them with courage, and saves them from danger. But She is also righteous, strictly recompensing Providence: seated beside Zeus, She is the only one who knows where the lightning bolts lie hidden, has the full right and power to use them, and also employs the Aegis, the terrible shield of Her father Zeus. With him She has many traits and epithets in common, and She is frequently worshiped jointly with him, especially in the most ancient sites of Her cult. *Karl Kerenyi* */Athene: Virgin and Mother/*
