| Artemis played an intriguing role in Greek mythology and religion. She was known as the “Mistress of Animals” and the protectress of children, but she was also a divine huntress and the goddess who could bring death with her arrows. As the daughter of the ruler of the Greek gods (Zeus), she enjoyed the status and privileges of an olympian. Artemis was therefore free to pursue her interests, and was often found frolicking in the forests, accompanied by a band of nymphs.
Myths show that she was aloof and free-spirited, not constrained by husband or hearth, and this is reflected in the fact that she remained eternally a virgin. Indeed, those who in some way compromised her strict requirements for chastity were severely punished by the maiden goddess. There are several tales that describe the swift and terrible retribution of Artemis, and one of the most revealing involves the youth Actaeon…
Text courtesy Mythography |
