Iodame was a priestess at the temple of Athena Itonia built by her father. When she trespassed the precinct one night, Athena appeared in front of her; at the sight of Medusa's head which was worked in the goddess' garment, Iodame turned into a block of stone. After this, a priestess lit the fire on the altar every day, repeating thrice: "Iodame lives and demands fire".[4]
An alternate story of Athene and Iodama relates that both were daughters of Itonius. They became jealous of each other and started fighting, which resulted in Iodame being killed by Athena.[5][AI-generated source?] The story is similar to that of Athena and Pallas (daughter of Triton).