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The Aegis — the Shield of Zeus
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- The Aegis — the Shield of Zeus
The Aegis — the Shield of ZeusThe expression "under the aegis of" means "under someone's protection and patronage," and comes from Greek mythology. The aegis was the shield of Zeus, forged for him by Hephaestus. This attribute could also be used by Athena, goddess of wisdom, and, more rarely, by Apollo. The head of the Gorgon Medusa was depicted upon the shield. The aegis was a symbol of protective authority over both gods and mortals.
In Hyginus's "Poetic Astronomy," it is suggested that the aegis was made from the hide of Amalthea, the goat who nursed Zeus (aegis meaning "goatskin"). It served as his shield in the battle against the Titans.
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