1 / 1

Artemis

Artemis · Goddess of the Hunt, Moon, and Maidenhood

Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, the moon, and chastity. Twin sister of Apollo, she lives as an eternal virgin. Protector of wild beasts and forests, she aids women in childbirth — yet her arrows show no mercy to those who offend her.

Origin

Born first on Delos to Leto fleeing Hera's wrath, she is said to have assisted her mother in delivering Apollo immediately after. As a child she asked Zeus for eternal virginity, a bow, mountains to roam, and sixty nymphs as companions — all granted.

Features

Young goddess with bow and quiver
Moon and stars as symbols; accompanied by deer and bears
Cypress and cedar as sacred trees
Eternal virgin who never marries

Stories

Hunters made offerings before the chase; women in labor called on her aid. She was invoked for the protection of wildlife, forest abundance, and rites of passage for maidens.