Where does history end and myths begin? Read the modern retelling of this classic myth, and decide.
The citizens of a small seaside town, proud of the improvements to their harbor, decided to rename their town to reflect their new-found pride. At a town meeting, the town leaders decided have a contest with international corporations vie for naming rights. So the citizens sent invitations to various multinational companies to place bids.
Only Poseidon Shipping LTD and Athena’s Olive Emporium Inc bothered to reply. Poseidon decided to bid because of the advertising benefits. Athena’s wanted to expand their customer base. Both corporations sent representatives to built their pavilions, and provide free services for the citizens.
Poseidon Shipping built a beautiful plaza with statuary and large fountains. To advertise their transportation division, Poseidon offered free rides around the town. At the edge of town, they built a race track, and staged horse races. While men enjoyed betting on the races, the women became upset that the plaza’s fountains only flowed with salt water.
Believing that Poseidon Shipping was too cheap to pay for fresh water, the women went to the Athena’s Olive Emporium’s pavilion. This company spared no expense in attracting new customers. They brought in and planted groves of olive trees in the parks. Meanwhile at the pavilion, Athena’s offered free food, to demonstrate the versatility of the olive. In addition, they held cooking seminars on olive oil. The women enjoyed the hospitality of the company. When the company offered everyone a lifetime supply of free olive oil for simply voting for Athena’s, the women were especially impressed.
Not wanting to spend extra money in a special election, the town leaders decided to have two signs – Poseidon and Athena. To choose the city’s new name, they asked all the citizens to line up by each sign.(The longest line would declare the winner.) The men chose Poseidon, while the women voted for Athena. Since the women’s line was longer, the new city was named Athens.
References:
Asborn Kevin and Dana Burgess, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Classical Mythology”, New York: Penguin Publishing, 2004
Purchase books on Greek and Roman myths from Amazon.com
Va. Carper
May 11, 2008