Aegis of Athena

The myth

The aegis was the defensive weapon of Zeus and Athena, described by Homer as terrible, fringed with golden tassels and adorned with Panic, Strife, Might and the Gorgon's head (Iliad 5.738–742). The Iliad says Hephaestus made it for Zeus; when Apollo shook it before the Greeks, they fled in panic. In art Athena wears it as a skin mantle edged with snakes across her chest, or bears it as a shield. After Perseus gave Medusa's head to the goddess, she set it at the center of the aegis.

Why it has this power

A Common trap that negates an opponent's attack. Before the aegis with the Gorgon's head, no one advances: the blow simply does not happen. It is a cheap, reliable defense, ideal for protecting an important monster while you prepare a fusion or a ritual.

Did you know

The expression under the aegis of, still used today to mean under the protection of, comes from this divine shield.

Connections

• In Nikos the Young Hoplite's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0% per pack (Common 64% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 0.97% per pack (Common 70% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.88% per pack · 5.2% in the themed pack (Common 64% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.86% per pack · 5.1% in the themed pack (Common 62% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.67% per pack · 4% in the themed pack (Common 49% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.46% per pack · 2.7% in the themed pack (Common 33% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.69% of days · 150 gold
• Craft with card dust: 40 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. ATHENA (Athene) - Greek Goddess of Wisdom, War & Crafts (Roman Minerva) — Aaron J. Atsma, Theoi Project
2. Iliad, Book 5 — Homer (trans. A. T. Murray), Theoi Classical Texts Library
3. Medusa (World History Encyclopedia) — Kelly Macquire