One of the major goddesses of the Greek pantheon
Figure 1: Artemis, drawing inspired by a ceramic from Attica.[1]
Artemis (in ancient greek: Aρτεμις) is one of the major divinities of Ancient Greece and one of the best known. She is also one of the most fascinating and powerful goddesses in Greek mythology. Like all of them, she was obviously known for her beauty, but also for her strength and grace.
Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, of nature, she is also associated with the moon and childbirth. In this article we will explore her history, cultural importance and significance for the ancient Greeks.
Artemis can be traced back to many parts of the Mediterranean in pre-classical times, known by various names, including Diana[2] in Rome. Her influence was also important throughout Europe and Asia. She was also worshipped in the Byzantine Empire and in parts of the Islamic world.
Usually, she's considered as one of the twelve main divinities of Mount Olympus[3]. She is the daughter of Zeus and Leto. In the myth she was born on the island of Delos after her mother wandered for nine days and nights in search of a place to give birth. She is also the twin sister of Apollo, the god of sun, music and poetry. According to legend, Artemis is the elder of two twins and is said to have helped her twin give birth. She is also known to shun men and refuse to marry, and is the protector of young girls and unmarried women.
Artemis is often depicted as a girl, or a young woman with a bow and arrow, or hunting. While her twin is associated with the sun, she is associated with the moon. In addition, as a nature goddess, she was considered the protector of animals and plants, as well as the guardian of water sources. She is said to have asked her father Zeus for her protective nature and he granted it to her. In addition, Artemis is often depicted with a crescent moon on her head or in her hair. In some stories, Artemis is said to have asked Zeus to grant her eternity so that she could protect nature forever. Zeus is said to have agreed and turned Artemis into a star in the sky, which became the moon.
Figure 2 : Reconstruction of the temple at Miniatürk Park in Istanbul[4]
Each Greek deity had festivals and temples built in their honour, as in the case of Artemis, the festivals are the Artemisia, they included religious ceremonies, sports competitions and beauty contests for young girls. As well as temples such as in Ephesus in Turkey, there are many of these, some of which have been destroyed, looted or have fallen victim to time or natural disasters.
In Greek art, Artemis is most often depicted hunting, with bow and arrow in hand.
Figure 3 : Representation of the goddess Artemis[5]
For the ancient Greeks, the definition of who Artemis was or represented was multiple. She was both the goddess of the hunt and of nature, the protector of female figures. Above all, she revealed feminine power and the strength of nature, at a time when women were overshadowed by masculinity, heroes, and the gods. Her virginity was a symbol of her independence and freedom from this patriarchal era. As the goddess of the moon, she also reveals light in the darkness, hope in the darkest of times.
In conclusion, Artemis is a fascinating and complex goddess, whose cultural importance in Greek mythology is undeniable. She is revered for her strength, beauty and grace, as well as for her protective nature.
[1] Dugald Sutherland MacColl (British draftsman, 1859-1948) 1894 12.7 cm (diameter). Drawing after an Attic red-figure kylix by Douris, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago (1907.323). Published in Harrison, Jane Ellen and D.S. MacColl. Greek vase paintings; a selection of examples, with preface, introduction and descriptions. London: T.F. Unwin, 1894. URL : https://www.flickr.com/photos/69184488@N06/8269416197 [2] Mythologie Romaine, Diane,la déesse lunaire, Mythologica Info URL : http://www.mythologica.info/mythologie-romaine/dianela-deesse-lunaire/ [3] Wikipédia : Artémis URL : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art%C3%A9mis
[4] Maquette du Temple d'Artémis d'Ephèse. URL : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Miniaturk_009.jpg [5] ANDRIAMANJATOSON Gabrielle, L’histoire fascinante d’Artémis, la déesse mythique de la chasse, Dailygeekshow, 7 décembre 2021 URL : https://dailygeekshow.com/histoire-deesse-artemis/