Artemis- The Goddess of the hunt and tales of revenge!

Artemis was known as a hunter and protector and although I’m far from a fan of hunting in any way shape or form, I have to admire her defiant attitude to protect and get exactly what she wants. Also I am no social activist I would sooner hug a tree than be in a conflict with anyone. I even feel bad if I accidently squish an insect and can be inconsolable for quite a period of time. Artemis doesn’t take any john bull from anyone. 

Here is some fascinating stuff i have learnt about Artemis.

As we know Artemis was a hunter, a very proud one at that. It was said that she had a bit of a ding dong with Adonis over this. Now we often think of Adonis as being armed with muscles and a big ego. From what I understand I think this is a common belief in the Greek Mythology circles but that is not just what he is known for. He was also a hunter. A big egotistical hunter. In fact it seems his big ego got him into trouble. It was thought Artemis caught him bragging about how he was a better hunter that her. She didn’t take kindly to that.  Now what would you do in that situation? Have it out with him over a cuppa and a bun (that would be me by the way), shout at him in the street or would you simply send a wild boar over to kill him.

Artemis chose the latter. That’s why you don’t mess with her! 

Now this story about revenge, I found quite interesting. Although it wasn't about Artemis no it was the beautiful Aphrodite.  

Polyphonte was a young woman who decided to leave home to live a virginal life with Artemis. Apparently Aphrodite was that disgusted with Polyphonte and her way of life that as a punishment Aphrodite cursed her. Now what do you think the curse would be ? A big nose, flatulence, or a dose of chicken pox maybe? 

Well it was none of that. No the curse would cause her to have  ……children by a bear ! 

You just can’t imagine this stuff (or want too !) The resulting offspring, Agrius and Oreius, grew to be wild cannibals. Zeus hated the two and as a result all the family were transformed into birds. Artemis was also disgusted with Polyphonte’s behaviour as she had lustful thoughts for big strong hairy mammals and decided to turn all the animals against her. Poor Polyphonte. None of this was her fault she just wanted to live a peaceful life without any hanky panky and what does she get? Shunned by all wildlife, cursed into some weird animal stuff, and then gets turned into a bird because Zeus had nothing better to do on the day.     

It isn't that great to be a Goddess i'm thinking!