Setting

When Artemis was only three years old, her father promised her anything she wanted for her birthday. One of the gifts she received was all the mountains in the world where she spent her time. The stories usually don't say any specific locations but the idea of the setting is clear, Artemis liked to be in the trees. She loved being secluded, able to be alone or in company of Orion or many of her nymphs.

Pine needles crunch beneath the huntresses feet. Her companion, Orion, keeps up with his equally stealthy pace. The air, oh the air smells like freedom. A mix of rain and the distinct scent of pine trees. The echo of a brook is heard, the distant water is no doubt clear as glass. Artemis can taste the thrill of her hunt on the tip of her tongue, racing between the trees. No one was to know that soon, her twin Apollo would trick her into killing her very own best friend.

Three Cultural References

Throughout the ages, Artemis has been a muse for many artists and writers as well as others. Most of the earlier references of Artemis in culture are paintings or sculptures of the goddess such as this one: This painting was done by Andrea Camassei.    and is called "The Hunt of Diana" it was done in 1639.  

Other things inspired by Artemis are groups that identify feminine issues such as Artemis Magazine: 

Artemis obviously is a very strong female figure and has inspired many women's rights groups and that is why the creators and readers of Artemis Magazine.

Artemis is also a name of a natural pet food company. They specialize in healthy and natural pet food for for dogs and cats. Click here to visit their website: http://www.artemiscompany.com/

Myth Summary: The Death of Orion

Artemis once met a friend, also a lover of the hunt, in the woods one day. The noble man called himself Orion and the two shared a wonderful summer of hunting, racing, storytelling and laughing. One night, the two fell asleep by one of their evening fires. Apollo stumbled across his sister and the great hunter Orion. He immediately assumed that Orion had caused Artemis to betray her life long pledge to virginity, he masked his anger and began to whistle a tune until the two woke. Once the goddess and hunter were awakened, they looked to Apollo and invited him to breakfast as they didn't know of his true feelings.

Later, Artemis went to talk with her beloved nymphs in the woods and left her brother and friend to converse. The man and the god enjoyed their day of bonding, speaking together of their secret loves and past friendships. Soon, Orion mentioned his excitement that Artemis would soon return and the three would be great friends. Apollo became angry, remembering his earlier feelings toward Orion. More emotion was added to the god's outburst as well, he now felt jealous. Orion quickly explained to Apollo that Artemis was a great friend but he'd never betray her pledge to chastity. Apollo realized that the man's words were true but he refused to acknowledge his mistake. He stormed away, making sure to torment Orion with dreams of a deadly scorpion when he fell asleep that night.

Once Orion awoke, he walked from his house to speak with Artemis but he was confronted by the scorpion from his dream. He fought valiantly but his arrows and spears could not pierce the scorpions armor. Orion fled to the water, swimming from the beast. While this event happened, Apollo went to Artemis and said that an terrible man named  Candaon had attacked one of Artemis's beloved nymphs. Apollo then continued to say that the man was swimming away, trying to escape Artemis's wrath. The infuriated goddess took off, shooting what she thought was Candaon's head and killing him. The man she killed turned out to be her cherished friend Orion and the grieving goddess set him in the stars as a reminder of their wonderful friendship.

Character Introduction and Overview

Artemis is a major Greek goddess. She is the fraternal, twin sister to Apollo and the daughter of Zues and Leto. She is the goddess of hunting, wilderness, wild animals and the moon. Artemis also protects younger girls until they marry and is a master archer. The goddess also has the ability to send plagues, transform herself and others into other figures and heal wounds. Artemis has owned all the mountains in the world since Zues gifted them to her one the goddesses third birthday. He also gave her a silver bow and eternal virginity.