The Greek Goddess: Artemis

Artemis is known as the goddess of the night, the huntress, the goddess of fruitfulness, Lady of the Beasts, the woodland goddess, the bull goddess, the personification of the moon, and the eternal virgin. Artemis was one of the few goddesses immune to the enchantments of Aphrodite. She is the goddess of childbirth. Known as a fierce hunter as well as protector, Artemis is one of the major Greek goddesses.

In some instances Artemis is linked closely to the Roman and Italian goddess, Diana. There is some controversy as to the goddess that deserves the first rights, but it appears that Artemis was a later goddess. There is no doubt that the similarities are striking. Some people go as far as to call them one, the goddess Artemis Diana.

The Greek goddess, Artemis, is said to be the daughter of Zeus and Leto. She is the supposed twin sister of Apollo in most accounts. However, in more ancient traditions it was recounted that Artemis was the mid-wife for the birth of Apollo and his twin sister. Artemis is one of the prominent goddesses, and the lore that surrounds her is as colorful as she was proclaimed to be.

Artemis was known for her anger and capability for revenge just as she was for her help and compassion. Artemis could be a hard woman when she, or one of her ladies, was disrespected. Such a time is noted in the legend of Actaeon. Actaeon was a hunter that happened upon the goddess and her constant companions bathing nude. As they frolicked in the water he stood amazed at the beauty of the goddess. So amazed in fact, that a sound escaped his lips. Artemis became aware of the intrusion and in her anger turned the hunter into a stag. He was immedietly attacked by his own hunting dogs and was killed. Artemis got her revenge.

Another legend that tells of Artemis' angry and vengeful nature involves her brother, Apollo. It is said that they killed the sons and daughters of Niobe. Niobe had made the mistake of comparing his own children to them, putting his own children in a more favorable light. Leto was insulted and the twins vowed to get their revenge. Artemis killed the daughters of Niobe while Apollo killed the sons. Again, Artemis got her revenge.

In the Odyssey, Artemis and her twin were said to have been the messengers of death to the people of the island of Syria. When the fates decided that it was time for a person to exit this life Artemis would swoop down with her silver bow and kill them. In the Gospel of the Witches she is said to be the mother of Aradia; the child fathered by Lucifer.

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