Athena: From Virgin Goddess to 9-1-1 Hero – A Relationship Deep Dive
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, is a captivating figure. She embodies independence, being a virgin goddess who rejects marriage proposals. Fast forward to today, and she solves crimes as a tough cop in “9-1-1.” Quite a shift!
Athena, the Original Bachelor Girl (Goddess Edition)
Firstly, in Greek myths, Athena did not embrace marriage. The Greeks made this clear. She is like the original bachelorette. Instead of holding roses, she held a spear and shield. Sources like Homer and Hesiod confirm her perpetual singleness. Her “virgin goddess” label was her identity. Her nicknames, “Pallas” and “Parthenos,” emphasized her lack of interest.
Why stay single forever? It seems Athena and others like Hestia had different priorities. Romantic distractions were absent as they focused on their divine roles. Athena had wisdom and strategy duties. Love? Not for her. Strategy sessions took precedence.
Even Hephaestus, god of the forge, made moves on Athena. Imagine his attempts to win her heart with pick-up lines. But she remained unmoved. Myths mention that his advances sometimes ended badly, but Athena stayed unattached.
As for partners, she had none. Scholars suggest she might have been asexual. Aphrodite’s influence on her was nonexistent. Athena possessed an immunity to Cupid’s charms. A true example of a different way of existence.
Family Ties: The Greek God Squad
As for family, it’s a different tale. Athena’s family tree is typical of Greek myths – intricate and filled with drama. Zeus is her father, king of the gods. Her mother? Metis, goddess of wisdom. Ironically, Athena got wisdom from the very goddess Zeus devoured.
She has numerous half-siblings from Zeus’s busy affairs. Hermes, Dionysus, Aphrodite, Ares, Hephaestus, Persephone, Artemis, and Apollo – quite the crew! To clarify, Athena and Ares are not twins despite sharing a father. Ares’s mother is Hera, while Athena’s is Metis.
Athena also has a connection with Erichthonius. Some say he is her “son,” but she acted as his foster mother. His birth story involves divine mishaps and a box. Athena raised him, serving as a protector in his life. It’s divine fostering rather than typical motherhood.
And in the Uncle department? Hades, ruler of the Underworld, is Athena’s uncle. A fun fact for trivia night.
Athena Grant: Trading Olympus for the LAPD
Migrating from ancient Greece to modern Los Angeles, let’s explore “9-1-1.” Here, Athena is not a distant goddess. Instead, she is Athena Grant, a tough and clever officer, portrayed by Angela Bassett.
Unlike her mythological self, TV Athena embraces relationships. She has had several noteworthy ones, as dramatic as ancient myths but with fewer thunderbolts. First was Michael Grant, her ex-husband and father to May and Harry. They were married for fourteen years before their season one divorce.
Next was Emmett Washington. Their relationship became serious, leading to an engagement! Tragically, Emmett was killed during a gas station robbery. A heartbreaking twist! This moment revealed Athena’s vulnerable side.
Don’t worry; romance isn’t off the table for her. Enter Bobby Nash, Captain of Station 118. Together with Bobby, they are a beloved power couple. By season two, they married! Their bond adds warmth to the often intense world of “9-1-1.”
Fans can breathe easy regarding Athena Grant’s future in the series. Angela Bassett suggests she will stay beyond season 8. Great news for fans of Captain Athena! No confirmations say she is leaving “9-1-1” soon.
Interestingly, TV Athena includes a different “son” narrative. She allowed her son Harry to live with his father for a period. This was about space and time for cooling down during family tension. Even super cops and deities need some distance.
Love is in the Air (and Sometimes Ends in Breakups) on “9-1-1”
Staying on the topic of relationships in “9-1-1,” let’s check on other couples. Maddie Buckley and Chimney Han finally wed in season 7! Their journey was long, marked by challenges, but they reached the altar.
On the sadder side, Eddie Diaz moves to Texas to be near his son, Christopher. Los Angeles loses a great firefighter, but family matters most.
And bringing it back to mythology: Venus and Vulcan married for business reasons arranged by Jupiter. Venus had an affair with Mars. Zeus and Hera were married but had a complicated relationship. Hades abducted Persephone to make her Queen of the Underworld. Romantic? Debatable.
Returning to “9-1-1,” Buck and Taylor ended things in season 5. Relationships in emergency services have similar drama to those on Olympus, minus the immortals.
Athena’s journey has been intriguing. From virgin goddess to a married officer, she showcases how even deities and supercops face love complexities. Each experience reflects their unique lives.
