Artemis

Artemis was the goddess of hunting, children and the wild.

Artemis, the daughter of Zeus and Leto, was the twin sisietr of Apollo. Beingt eh first born, she helped her mother deliver Apollo, and was thus recognised as a protector of childbirth and children. Artemis was an independent and strong minded goddess whose favourite occupation was hunting. She was a virgin goddess.

Powers

and

Responsibilities

  • Wild animals and hunting
  • Wilderness, forests, marshes, lakes, rivers
  • Hunting equipment and fishing nets
  • The child during birth
  • Nursing infants and girls
  • Illness and health in women and girls
  • Merciful sudden death for women
  • Maiden song and dance

Personal Characteristics

  • Independent
  • Strong minded
  • Dedicated to chastity
  • Physical fitness and beauty

Attributes

and

Symbols

  • Golden bow and arrows
  • Deer and other wild beasts
  • Hunting spears
  • Torches
  • Lyre
  • Her chariot drawn by four golden horned deer
  • Her sacred flower – the amaranth
  • Her sacred animals – deer, bear, wild boar
  • Her sacred birds – guinea fowl, quail, hawk

Representation

in

art

  • With bow and arrows
  • With hunting spear
  • Wearing knee length tunic
  • Wearing a tiara

Attendants

  • Okeanides – 60 of the cloud nymphs
  • Naides – some of the fresh water nymphs
  • Britomartis – goddess of nets
  • Iphigneia and other apotheosised girl companions
  • Hippolytos and other mortal hunting companions
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Filed under: Greek Religion

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