Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt, was one of the first feminists of the Mount Olympus set. A virgin by choice and huntswoman by skill and divine profession, she was the chief hunter of the gods, known as "Lady of Wild Things." Artemis was fiercely independent and would let no man have her, but she knew her territory well and had many friends to help her along the way. She spent her days in the forest with her posse of animal guides and virginal wood nymph companions. She was famous for always reaching her target with her golden arrows, which are said to have "moaned" as they sped toward her prey.
She understood the ways of the wild, the nature of beast and bird, and could gently speak the language of wild nature, yet she was fierce and a force to be reckoned with. She was not afraid to make the kill. With her nymphs and hounds, she hunted in the deepest wilderness, slaughtering stags and lions. For recreation she gathered with her brother Apollo and their favorite friends, the nine Muses, to sing and dance. She is often pictured as a young woman in a short toga with bow, arrow, and animal friends in tow.
By Laurie Sue Brockway © 2022