Seated Minerva at The Louvre, Paris

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Minerva burst forth from Roman mythology as the goddess of prudence and patroness of arts, trade, and military strategy. Born fully armed from Jupiter's forehead, this powerful deity was destined for greatness. However, a prophecy foretold that her offspring would usurp Jupiter's throne, prompting him to swallow the titaness Metis whole to prevent his downfall. As Minerva matured within her father-god, she fashioned arms and armor for herself while exerting constant pressure on his mind. This incessant pounding gave rise to a debilitating headache, which Vulcan eventually alleviated by splitting Jupiter's cranium with his hammer. Out came Minerva, a fully formed adult, clad in the very same arms and armor that her mother had forged. From the 2nd century BC onwards, Romans began equating Minerva with the Greek goddess Athena. As the chaste patroness of music, poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts, and magic, she was often depicted alongside her sacred animal companion – an owl named the "owl of Minerva" – symbolizing her profound connection to wisdom.