The world cannot continue to wage war like physical giants and to seek peace like intellectual pygmies. —Basil O'Connor

While the Ancient Greeks did not like Ares, they did accept that there were “good” wars, or that is to say, wars that could be carried out with noble intentions. This concept was embodied by the blue-eyed daughter of wisdom, Athene.

Athene is the virgin goddess of intellect and invention. It was she—and not her step-brother Ares—who was chosen by Zeus to be the shield-bearer for all of Olympus. The shield is called Ægis, and is one of the most powerful objects in mythology. More than merely a defensive weapon, the Ægis is not only impregnable, but after the heroic quest of Perseus, the face of the shield displays the head of the slain Gorgon, Medusa. The sight of it can turn armies into stone. But Athene is also wise enough to carry with her the last gift of war. It is Athene which gave us the branches of the olive tree.