More thrilling than a palace drama! The battle for naming Athens

Many visit Athens to see the Parthenon and its dazzling white ancient columns, but did you know? The naming rights of this city in Central Athens actually stemmed from an epic "divine showdown"! 💥 [Plot Begins] Long, long ago, the gods decided to choose a patron deity for a newly emerged land—the very place where Athens stands today. Immediately, two major deities locked horns: 🔱 Poseidon—God of the Sea, hot-tempered, prone to summoning tsunamis at the slightest provocation. 🕊️ Athena—Goddess of Wisdom and War, a master strategist, yet also a rational and pragmatic deity. The two gods slammed the table: "This land shall be mine!" What to do? Zeus, king of the gods, declared: "Compete with gifts. Whoever offers the more useful gift wins the land." 🎁 [Gift Showdown] 🏇 Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, and with a thunderous boom, a spring gushed forth— But everyone soon took a sip: it was salty 💀... (After all, he was the sea god.) Another version claims he summoned a warhorse, symbolizing battle and strength 🐴. But the people of this land sought "survival," not "warfare." 🌳 When it was Athena's turn, she quietly planted an olive tree. It seemed humble, but— Its fruits could be eaten, Pressed into oil, Traded as goods, Used to build ships and houses... A single tree provided sustenance, economy, trade, and livelihood! 🏆 [Final Vote] The people weighed their options: salty water and warhorses ✖️ vs. life-sustaining essentials ✔️ They voted decisively for Athena ✅! Thus, the city was named after her: Αθήνα / Athens. Poseidon flew into a rage and cursed the city to forever suffer water scarcity (and yes, Athens does face water shortages!). ✨ [Athens Today] The Parthenon you see atop the Acropolis today was actually dedicated to Athena! And that mythical olive tree? Legend says its descendants still thrive in a corner of the Acropolis 🌿. Many locals secretly touch it, praying for wisdom and peace. If you were an ancient Greek, which god would you choose as your patron? A: Warhorses, strength, and surf with Poseidon 🌊🐎 B: Wisdom, livelihood, and practicality with Athena 🕊️🌿 👇 Share your pick in the comments—which side are you on?