Gods,Heroes,Myths Greek Mythology Homer's epics,Expeditions

This goddess has a special place among the gods of Olympus. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, the twin sister of Apollo. In the games of Apollo against Python in Delphi and against the children of Niobe, Artemis stood beside him. She was considered an excellent hunter and protector of animals.

She used to run in the mountains and forests of Arcadia and Laconia accompanied by her Nymphs. She protected all wild nature, rivers, lakes, meadows and fields. She was also the protector of the fertility of the earth, but also of the births, infants and future brides. The young men devoted to her and Apollo their hair when they became of age. In her favor, young women devoted their toys prior to their marriage. At the same time she was also a goddess of the sudden death of women while they were giving birth. And also she was regarded as a goddess of war, as well as a goddess who protected the abiding by laws and oaths. She also had healing properties as she helped many sick to be cured.

From what has been mentioned above her close relationship with her brother Apollo is obvious. But just as he is the god of the sun, so she is also the goddess of the moon. She never married and she stayed a virgin forever. She never fell in love either. That is why they considered her a patron of the purity of all virgins. Those who fell in love with her or who saw her naked or wanted to make her a wife were severely punished by the goddess herself.

Artemis was worshiped throughout Greece: in Attica (especially in Rafina and Vravrona), Arcadia, Messenia and Laconia. Her symbols were the moon, the olive, the eagles, the lion, the panther, the deer, the hare, the snake, the turtle and many more.

In artwork she is portrayed as young and beautiful, thin, agile, lean and fast walking. She sometimes wears a long sleeve, but usually short. She holds a bow and a quiver or she is presented with one of her symbolic items.