Who is Metis in Greek mythology?
Metis was an Oceanid, one of the 3000 daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. She became the first deity of wisdom and deep thought by the era of Greek philosophy in the 5th century BC.
Questions about Metis (mythology)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to Metis after she married Zeus?
Zeus tricked Metis into turning herself into a fly and swallowed her while she was already pregnant with their first child, Athena. Metis continued to give Zeus advice from within his mind until Athena emerged full grown from Zeus's head on the river Triton's banks.
Why did Zeus swallow Metis according to prophecy?
Gaia and Uranus prophesied that Metis would bear a daughter wiser than her mother followed by a son more powerful than his father who would overthrow Zeus. This fear led Zeus to swallow Metis before the son could be born.
How does Metis relate to the goddess Athena?
Metis raised Athena in Zeus's mind during the entire process and crafted robes, armor, a shield, and a spear for her daughter. Athena emerged from Zeus's mind wearing the armor her mother made for her and later became the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts.
Where is Metis Island located today?
Metis Island in Antarctica bears the goddess's name along with Number 9 Metis which stands as one of the larger main-belt asteroids named after this deity. A moon of Jupiter also carries the same title to preserve the ancient name in modern scientific catalogs.