In Greek mythology, Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, was infatuated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom. He longed to have a child with her; however, Athena, a virgin goddess, had vowed to maintain her chastity.  According to various myths, Hephaestus attempted to force his affections on Athena, but she resisted, resulting in a unique conception where his seed fell to the earth and impregnated Gaia, who then bore Erichthonius. Athena adopted him as her own child and raised him in secret.

In the story of Simanity, Athena's relationships were complex; she fell in love with Morpheus who was commanded by his mother to seduce her as a way to get even with her mother Metis, one of Hera's husband Zeus' lovers.

While Morpheus initially was just following his mother's orders, he eventually fell in love with Athena. However, his impotence prevented him from pursuing his feelings for Athena, so he hides in the forest out of shame. With Morpheus' absence, Athena became involved with Hephaestus, half-brother of Morpheus, leading to the birth of Erichthonius.