The owl is associated with the goddess Athena in Greek mythology.
More specifically, ancient Greek art often showed Athena with a little owl, Athene noctua. The bird became a symbol of her wisdom, vigilance, and clear-sighted judgment. Athena was also the patron goddess of Athens, helping spread the owl’s importance throughout the city and its culture.
The owl appeared on Athenian pottery, prize vessels, and coins. From about 510 BC, the little owl was featured prominently on the reverse of the Athenian tetradrachm, one of the ancient world’s best-known coins. The Greek word glaux, meaning “little owl,” became closely connected with Athens and Athena.
A common mix-up is assuming that every owl species is equally specific to the myth. “Owl” is the fair quiz answer, but the traditional bird is generally identified as the little owl. The association later continued in Roman culture through Minerva, Athena’s Roman counterpart.