The story of how the goddess Athena was born according to Greek myth describes her emergence from the forehead of her father, Zeus. This extraordinary birth followed a prophecy that warned Zeus he would be overthrown by a child born from Metis, the goddess of wisdom. To prevent this, Zeus swallowed Metis while she was pregnant. Later, in a great pain, Zeus had his head split open, and Athena, fully armed and capable, emerged. This myth symbolically represents wisdom’s rightful place in the universe and Athena's power as a warrior goddess, emphasizing her intelligence and martial skill.