In spite of attempts to see watery origins for the goddess based on the epithet Athena Tritogenia, "Born of Trito," ( = the sea god Triton?), the older explanation seems correct. She is a Pelasgian (although probably not specifically Minoan, as originally thought) protective deity of Athens. Her protective role is reflected in her martial conduct and appearance -- she normally appears in full armor. On her shield or cuirass is the head of Medusa. In another case of Zeus subsuming an originally independent and powerful goddess, she is said to be born of Zeus and Metis ("Wisdom"). Zeus impregnates her then consumes her; later, he gives birth to Athena through his head. (In a dominant tradition, she is born in full battle armor.) Thus Zeus matches the parthenogenesis of the earlier goddesses.

Athena is a dignified virgin, beautiful but severe in Classical sculpture, and is described as "gray-eyed,"
although the term might mean "bright-eyed" or even "owl-eyed" -- interesting since in Classical times and after she is associated with the owl.

Thus the myth is both etiological, with regard to the olive tree and the spring, and functional in that it confirms Athena's "right" to be the city patron.

The tale has a literary flavor to it, and may not be particularly old. It is, however, etiological and functional, in that it reinforces the "proper" behavior of mortals toward gods.