Artemis
by CTCWeb Editors
Artemis’ Alter Egos
Artemis became associated with the moon in Classical times, the opposite of her brother, Apollo, the sun god. In turn the identification of Artemis with the moon linked her to the goddesses Hecate and Selene. Hecate and Selene do not represent the moon’s pure, white nature. Selene, the moon goddess, fell in love with Endymion and preserved him in perpetual sleep for her own. Hecate is the goddess of fertility who lives in the Underworld. She is closely linked to witchcraft, black magic and darkness. Artemis as Hecate or Selene no longer represents a virginal figure.
Students should investigate the stories of Hecate and Selene. They should recognize their classical association with Artemis and their independence as divine entities.
Artemis
Aeschylus, Suppliant Maidens 1030 - Aeschylus’ chorus hopes that “pure” Artemis looks upon the group of maidens with compassion and that Aphrodite (Cythera) never bring marriage to them.
Plutarch, Aristeides 20.6 - Eucleia was considered to be another name for Artemis. She died a virgin and received “divine honors” among the Boeotians and Locrians. An altar and an image of Eucleia were built in every market place at which brides and bridegrooms would sacrifice.
Apollodorus 1.4.1 - Apollodorus says that Artemis remained a virgin and devoted her time to hunting.
Parthenon EF.6.38-42 - Artemis is shown pulling up her dress in an act of modesty.
Brauron, Site Description - “According to myth, the rites and cult statue of Artemis (who was particularly connected with childbirth and was worshipped chiefly by women) were brought to Attica from Scythia (Crimea) by Iphigeneia and Orestes.”
Pausanias 6.22.9 - Alpheius fell in love with Artemis but realized that she would never marry him. He plotted violence against her as a result of his rejection. Artemis became suspicious of the plot while holding an all-night dance with the nymphs. The goddess had each woman cover her face with mud so that they could not be told apart. When Alpheius came upon the revelry he could not tell which maiden was the goddess so he gave up on his plan to harm her.
Hecate
Hesiod, Theogony 409-452 - Zeus honored Hecate above all others and gave her a part in the Earth and sea. She is honored by the gods as a whole. If a man should pray to Hecate and Poseidon, together, he will make a great catch, only to lose it again if Hecate wills it. She also works with Hermes to increase the number of a man’s livestock. Zeus made her the nurse of children after they were born.
Homeric Hymn 2: To Demeter - The hymn refers to Hecate as “tender-hearted Hecate.”
Pausanias 1.43.1 - A “Catalogue of Women” says that Iphigenia did not die but became Hecate by the will of Artemis.
Pausanias 2.30.2 - The Aeginetans worship Hecate and celebrate mystic rites in her honor every year. These rites they believe Orpheus established.
Strabo, The Geography, 10.3.10 - Strabo says that the Greeks assigned to Hecate, among other gods, “everything of an orgiastic or Bacchic or choral nature, as well as the mystic element in initiations.”
Athens, Triangular Shrine - This shrine may be dedicated to Hecate since her shrines were often found at crossroads.
Selene
Apollodorus 1.7.5 - The Moon fell in love with Endymion and Zeus told him to choose what he would like to be. Endymion chose to sleep forever during which time he would remain ageless and deathless.
Hesiod, Theogony 371-374 - Together Theia and Hyperion had Helius (Sun), Selene (Moon) and Eos (Dawn) all of whom live in the sky.
Homeric Hymn 32: To Selene, et al. - Selene is described as the moon in this hymn.
Pausanias 5.1.4 - It is said that the Moon fell in love with Endymion and together they had fifty daughters.
Athens 3990 - This is a circular sculpture of a goddess that is possibly Selene based on the circle as the shape of the moon.
