Athena noctua – Strigidae – Strigiformes – It is the most diurnal of all owls and the like. Its french name refers to the Greek goddess Athena. As Zeus’ daughter, she became the protective divinity of the City of Athene; she symbolizes Thought, Art of defensive war, Intelligence and protects Craftsmen and Workers. Athenians also worshipped her for teaching them agricultural techniques such as the use of the plow and the harness of oxen. She chooses the owl species for the symbol of its wisdom and night-vision, although this Little owl is the most diurnal of owls.
Since Antiquity Athens adopted the owl symbol, issuing coins with the bird on one side and on the other Athena’s portrait. Today still, Greece issues its 1€ coin with the bird’s effigy. Back to the owl: it symbolizes Wisdom and Knowledge for its immobility but it is also a symbol of wealth and abundance. The symbolism of its attributes to Athena will stop here, because this Owl is diurnal contrary to the 4 other species of owls whose night-vision qualities are connected to the moon, as opposed to the eagle’s, a solar symbol.
Unfortunately, humanity did not always see it with positive eyes; in the Middle Ages it was considered as devilish and associated with the witchcraft, death and ghosts.
Noushka
Passionate about Nature and photography but mostly animals and birds. I live in France at the present, but have lived in Africa for 16 years and in the U.S. for 3 years and with Australia in mind for the future. With my husband, I created and managed a Bird Park in South Africa, raising mainly psittacines; the breeding facility housed over 1000 parrots at any given time. My photography is about sharing fauna's beauty with other enthusiasts! Equipment: NIKON lenses: 400 mm Z F4/5, 800 mm Z, 500 mm, 200/500 mm, 800 mm f5/6E
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