In 1453 Zeus, father of the sky and gods, ruler of Olympus, abdicated.  While many thought the successor should be Apollo, Ares demanded the throne.

Zeus, tired, let them fight it out. Ares made a compelling case.  He matured.  He was no longer the barbarian lord of war and destruction.   He added to his mantle change, rebirth, and a return to his roots, agricuture.  A wiser soldier. He showed how empire spread and bring peace and prosperity in its wake.   Through war, renewal, and from destruction, creation.  He brought challenge and increased the stock. 

Apollo, lord of culture and light, debated.  He spoke calmly, and with reason.  He explained the value of law, of culture, of art.  What is life without the exploration of mind and body?  Many agreed.


When both were done, the Olympians retired to cast their votes.  Ares paced like a lion, while Apollo waited in sublime contemplation.

For 12 years, Olympus was without a king.  True, the Titans did try to seize on this, but Ares and Apollo put them down as a display of their might.

When all was done, Hermes, herald of the gods, announced the decision.


The new ruler of Olympus was to be, for now, and for all eternity,  Athena!   For Ares was right.  War is a nessessary, but horrible thing.   Action is needed to right wrongs. 


And Apollo was right, Law and and culture are needed, for with out them we are but animals.   

Both gods offer what is needed to rule, so the god who best respresents both is what we need.  And only one of us is equal  in war and law,  in destruction and creation.  In wisdom and slaughter, and that is our Gray Sister, Athena.


Apollo smiled, for he, while saddned by his loss, recognised the sound logic.   Ares, accepted the decision, but never forgave his sister, who no doubt, used their absence outside the delibrations to persuade her cause, unmolested by his rebuttals.


Athena's rule lasted centuries. It was filled with bloody war, and innovated science.   Both art and bloodshed defined her rule.


She too, became weary of leadership and abidcated to live with her long retired father.    All looked to Hermes for advice.  He of course, nominated himself.  But that is another story.