THE NAMING OF ATHENS Narrator - Arpolene Zeus Athena - Sandra Poseidon - Rodelio King Cecrops Citizens 1,2,3

Narrator: A long time ago, the first king of Attica, King Cecrops, is an extraordinary king for his appearance of being a half snake, half human. He set out to find a patron deity for his city, as the citizens also wanted to. As the king of Gods, Zeus, heard the citizens prayer, he called the two Olympians Gods, Athena and Poseidon. Athena is the virgin goddess of Wisdom, Crafts, and War, and the Poseidon is the Great Sea God and also God of Horses and Earthquakes. These two never had a harmonious relationship and sometimes, they almost get themselves into a war to attack each other.

Zeus: Go forth to the land of mortals, and fulfill their wishes. Athena and Poseidon: Yes, your majesty.

Narrator: As they arrive at the land of Attica, the citizens given the two a warm welcome to their land and headed to King Cecrops.

Cecrops: Good day to the two of you. I am the King Cecrops, and I want one of you to be the patron of my beloved Attica. Poseidon: Its obvious that I am the patron youve been looking for. I am mighty and powerful. Athena: Maybe you should stop bragging about yourself. I am kind and generous, and this city doesnt deserve such a patron like you.

Narrator: Before the two Gods starts to collide and turn the city into a wasteland, Cecrops spoke with full authority.

Cecrops: As you may see, the two of you are really the best choices to be the protector of Attica, but we cant choose fairly. Athena: I have an idea. Why dont we settle this in a contest? Poseidon: What kind of contest is it? Athena: What do you want it to be King Cecrops? Cecrops: Hmmmm If one of you can offer a valuable gift to our city, then he will be the Patron of Attica. Is it favorable for you? (Referring to the two) Athena and Poseidon: Of course.

Narrator: As the Gods were preparing for the competition, the citizens gathered and talk about the upcoming event.

Citizen1: I have this feeling that Athena will win; after all, shes the Goddess of Wisdom and War. Citizen3: You must be mistaken; it is Poseidon were talking about, hes incredibly powerful, and he is the elder brother of Zeus. Citizen2: Stop, both of you. We need to go before they start the competition.

Narrator: As the citizens go towards the location of the Gods to watch them. Poseidon step forward. He raised his trident and struck it in the ground, and water shot forth.

Poseidon: The water is one of the greatest ally of humankind, so you must give it respect and---

Narrator: The citizens went to drink from the water but it turns out to be salty.

Citizen_ : (spits the water) How on earth are we going to drink this salty water?

Narrator: Full of disappointment, the citizens go back to their places and wait for Athenas turn. She was holding a pot, with an olive branch on it. The citizens looked curiously on her. Then she struck her spear on the ground, she kneeled and plant the olive branch. Then it magically grow as Athena commanded.

Athena: With my gift you will never grow hungry, nor will you ever grow cold. For it will give you olives to eat, oil to cook with, and the fire wood to warm your homes.

Narrator: The citizens, as well as King Cecrops gazed at the undrinkable water and the olive tree. They all agreed that Athenas gift is much usable than Poseidons. Cecrops declared Athena as their patron goddess, changed its name from Attica to Athens. However, Poseidon, was not pleased at the outcome, he cursed the city to be insufficient of water from then on, and still continue nowadays.