Answer:
The characters describe what are the important values, and what are those which can backfire. Wisdom and tactics expressed by Athena are of value to the Greek citizens, as well as the desired traits in the myth, while Poseidon’s dramatic act at the end proves to have no value.
Explanation:
Athena is the goddess of justice and wisdom, among other things. It is noted in the myth that it was her smart idea for competition between the gods to be held. She can find a good solution for all the situations that will have long-lasting and productive effects.
On the other side, Poseidon is the god of the sea. He is very powerful and the sea is very important to the Greeks, but his actions are explained as dramatic and even harsh. He did not think that the water he produces will be salty and his rage was the one that almost started the war in the first place.
These traits of the gods are important because they describe what is, in the end, more valuable to the citizens. They care more about being wise, thinking about the future, not producing harsh decisions. Even if sometimes the actions made do not seem impressive, they might turn out to be valuable. That is the message of the myth and that is why the characters of the gods are important.
