Description
Artemis was one of the most respected of all the ancient Greek deities. It is thought that her name, and even the goddess herself, may even be pre-Greek. She was the daughter of Zeus, king of the gods, and the Titaness Leto and had a twin brother, the god Apollo. Artemis, goddess of the hunt, was also known as the goddess of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity and protector of young children. She was believed to relieve disease in women and in literature and art she was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrow. Artemis was a virgin and drew the attention and interest of many gods and men. However, only her hunting companion, Orion, won her heart. Orion was accidentally killed either by Artemis herself, or by Gaia, the primordial goddess of the earth
