Athena''s birth story is unique, even by Greek mythology standards! Born from the head of her father, Zeus is king of the gods and sprang fully-armed and fully-formed (one might say) into existence. Her mother, though, is Metis: a legislator in thought--she was also Titania, queen of the Titans. But Zeus swallowed Metis while she was still pregnant, fearing for the prophecy that his own child would overthrow him. So, you could say that Athena didn't have a typical family upbringing!