# Any reason against a tattoo of Athena? Update 18-May-2022: see the tattoo in post 58 **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 21, 2022, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871 "2022-02-21T11:16:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/1 "2022-02-21T11:16:09Z")
Which isn’t that tattoos are horrible. Also, I have done my research about the possibile meanings and associations which are considered “standard” interpretations. What I am wondering about is if there are any unwanted associations because she has been co-opted by hate groups, weird stories or, basically, any other odd stuff that doesn’t stem from the original mythological figure. With the war connotation I could, for instance, immagine people taking it to places where I would not want to go, so this is due diligence. Again, I am not looking for opinions on whether this is a good idea or whether the standard attributes are a good fit, just whether there are any unexpected associations that I might not know of. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/2 "2022-02-21T12:01:15Z")
I am not sure that tattoos in general were viewed in a positive light in ancient Greece, so it stands to reason the cult of Athena would not have adopted them. As for associations, if The Lady was good enough for Odysseus then you have nothing to worry about in that respect. I suppose that if there were some weird modern syncretism we would have heard of it? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/3 "2022-02-21T12:30:56Z")
As a matter of principle; the only meaning that means anything to me is the meaning my ink means to me. I have a piece on my back that includes the word “refuse”, which has several very different meanings and pronunciations. The meaning/pronunciation that I assign the word is all that matters. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/4 "2022-02-21T13:11:37Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I have a piece on my back that includes the word “refuse” … As in “Refuse ejected below”? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/5 "2022-02-21T13:18:32Z")
One meaning out of a few. I used a mirror to look at the piece just now (not easy to view your own back). Along with “refuse” there’s a rubber duckie, classic ship’s anchor, balloons, confetti, and a personal floatation device. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/6 "2022-02-21T13:42:34Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Along with “refuse” there’s a rubber duckie, classic ship’s anchor, balloons, confetti, and a personal floatation device. ‘I refuse to anchor my boat where a child’s birthday party is taking place.’ 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/7 "2022-02-21T13:47:39Z")
It’s actually a very solemn piece commemorating something deeply personal, but you have no way of knowing that. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/8 "2022-02-21T13:48:31Z")
Sorry! ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/9 "2022-02-21T14:07:48Z")
What would a tattoo of Athena look like? I suppose there exist statues and paintings, but none of them well-known enough so that I, personally, would be able to look at a tattoo and think, “Oh, that’s Athena.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/10 "2022-02-21T14:13:12Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > What would a tattoo of Athena look like? I suppose there exist statues and paintings, but none of them well-known enough so that I, personally, would be able to look at a tattoo and think, "Oh, that’s Athena.” Is it enough if they throw in a spear and a helmet and an owl? ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/11 "2022-02-21T14:14:18Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > What would a tattoo of Athena look like? Athena is usually shown as a woman in a long robe with a Greek helmet and a spear. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/12 "2022-02-21T14:27:28Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > Is it enough if they throw in a spear and a helmet Spear and magic helmet? ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/13 "2022-02-21T14:32:31Z")
Yeah, I get that and I agree up to a point. But then again, symbols like the swastika and, up to a point, the Celtic cross would lead people to make assumptions that I really wouldn’t want and because they are known associations I think it is fair to say a person with those tattoos is seeking them out purposely. However, I would only feel that way if it were a fairly common thing. If there is a fringe group of loonies then that wouldn’t necessarily stop me. But I am, for example, not very up on my pop culture - things like Marvel, fantasy TV etc - so was just checking if anything stands out immediately. ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/14 "2022-02-21T14:33:39Z")
Yes. I like the owl, too. It’s not always there but owls are cool. An olive branch is another symbol and the shield sometimes has Medusa on it. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/15 "2022-02-21T19:57:46Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Spear and magic helmet? And the Aegis - don’t forget that. So a woman in a Greek dress with a helmet, spear and a shield with Medusa’s face on it. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/16 "2022-02-21T20:14:50Z")
A tattoo of her emerging from your forehead would be a real conversation-starter. ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/17 "2022-02-21T20:30:05Z")
😂 Though would work better if I were a beardy bloke. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/18 "2022-02-21T21:56:12Z")
I’m unaware of Athena being adopted by any particularly unsavory modern group. The only negative connotations I can think of are lethal trickery (The Trojan Horse and the death of Hector) and spiteful vanity (Arachne). ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/19 "2022-02-21T21:57:46Z")
And punishing the victim (Medusa). ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871/20 "2022-02-21T22:09:50Z")
And headlining a poorly executed MCU movie. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871.md?page=2)