The corners of Minerva's weaving likely show examples of what happens to those who challenge a goddess, as reflected in Greek art, including the Pergamon Altar and the Parthenon's metopes.
The corners of Minerva's weaving most likely show examples of what happens to those who challenge a goddess. This can be inferred from various historical and mythical narratives from Greek art and literature.
For instance, Athena's prowess is prominently depicted in scenes like her battle with Alkyoneus on the Pergamon Altar, a famous Hellenistic sculpture that shows her defeating the giant with a fierce expression, highlighting the consequences of opposing a deity. Similar themes are found in the Parthenon's metopes, where mythical battles between gods and mortals are portrayed, symbolizing the superiority of the divine and the triumph of civilization (the Greeks) over barbarism.
Additionally, the tradition of depicting the gods in a superior light can be seen in various artifacts such as amphoras, which illustrate mortal heroes like Achilles and Ajax within the context of their fated demise, elevating the deities' divine plan over human action. Thus, the corners of Minerva’s weaving would likely reinforce such a theme, warning mortals of the hazards of challenging or offending the gods.