This blog will assess the classical Greek goddess that is Artemis .In addition this blog will look at the seven qualities that makes her for who she is .
- Androgynous qualities (male and female characteristics )
- Artemis as a hunting goddess and moon (her association with Hecate and Selene and what the hunting goddess did )
- her virginity & wildness ( quite a confusing part talk about the sensationalism of non sensationalism of Artemis how she baths naked with her nymphs how more than one man has seen her naked how she dances naked but at the same time kills those who see her naked how her nymphs have to be virgin)
- Artemis as a patroness for girls/boys (cults) (this section talk about how she was worshiped who worshiped her what cults where what parts in the ancient world why she was worshiped . what did they do . and why she is given this role of patroness (femininity her caring and motherly guidance) and also (leto)
- patroness of marriage childbirth and death (cults) same with girls and boys section talk about why she is given this role , talk about her helping her mother Leto given birth to Apollo , also talk about the hymns of Artemis (death )
- Artemis and Apollo : looking at her and her twin brother and how they are viewed
- mercilessness : often considered violent and aggressive
Artemis : Androgynous qualities
This
blog will look at the female and male qualities that the ancient Greek goddess
Artemis obtains . The term Androgynous means , having what is considered
male and female characteristics, appearances, attitudes and displaying male and
or female behaviour . This is what ,Artemis conveys she is an ancient Greek
goddess that is identified as having a bow and arrows . who runs in the
wild forests with her animals and her nymphs . casually being free and having
to not answer to men. she does not display what is considered of being a
woman she can come across as being very strong and powerful goddess . For
example " she is overwhelming and fearsome presence within untamed
lands , where mortal men find how puny they are ( Waterfield and Waterfield,
2011: 51)".
this quote from Robin and
Kathryn Waterfield suggests that Artemis is a powerful presence and that
despite her gender she can intimidate men who deem themselves to be tough .
her presence outshines those who consider themselves durable . Also ,
Artemis is known for being in 'untamed' lands this in a way shows a
fearlessness to Artemis , and also it can be argued that her 'untamed' nature
is what also makes her androgynous , because a perfect women / wife is that who
is tamed and domesticated . Artemis does have androgynous qualities that
being she is strong, fearlessness and independent.
Artemis : huntress and moon goddess
Artemis is identified as a huntress she is known for her bow and arrow
crafted by Cyclopes and her short chiffon dress probably to enable her to run
freely in the woods, with her sacred animals and hunting dogs provided by pan
the son of Hermes and Dryope, as well as
her virgin nymphs . In addition, all the
animals that lived in the wild that was important to Artemis. Furthermore deer’s and bears were her favourites.
The bear was a symbolization of Artemis,
it can be suggested that Artemis boldness, powerful and yet caring nature is
that of a bear. Bears are known for its ruthlessness and power but also
protecting their cubs. Yet despite how Artemis may come across as being angry
and merciless (this will be covered later) she is known for coming to aid for
her mother Leto, her maidens and women when in distress. Robin and Kathryn
waterfield suggest of her nurture qualities towards animals. Artemis cared for her sacred in animals who
were in trouble when she heard their cries. She aided those in labour she also
cared for the new and young new-borns . But also putting down those that will
ill and weak ( Waterfield and Waterfield, 2011) .
Sometimes Artemis is also recognized as a moon goddess. Not only
is her wild animals and her bow arrows her hunting dogs a symbol for the
ancient Greek goddess. For example “ she is also known as a light bearer ,
carrying torches in her hands, or with the moon and stars surrounding her head
(Bolen,2004:46)”. Subsequently what does this quote suggests well Artemis does
help those in need and also runs freely in the wild could be why she has a
‘light bearer’ and ‘torches’. Likewise her
stars and moon upon her head, could be argued it’s a personification of her being
exceptional or the moon travels around earth and the stars shine at night so
Artemis travels in the woods with her nymphs , attending her animals , women
and children bearing the light to find those in need .
Moreover Artemis is linked with other ancient Greek goddesses to
form a triad. These goddesses are Selene and Hecate . This can be seen as a
female version of the male gods Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. For example “Selene
ruling in heaven, Artemis on earth, and Hecate in the uncanny and mysterious
underworld (Bolen,2004:49). This advocates that Artemis the idea yes she was a
female goddess but that doesn’t mean her being feminine weakened her no she was
wild as her sacred animals untamed as the woods. Her symbol was a bear for its
strength and protection. She carried her bows and arrows and hunted. Plus, when
joined with Selene and Hecate they were a power to be reckoned with could be
disputed that Artemis tomboy .
Artemis : virginal goddess
Artemis is a virgin goddess, yet she is not the only one, Athena,
and Hecate are also virgins. it is
believed that when she helped her mother Leto deliver her twin brother Apollo
once introduced to her father Zeus and he asked her what she wanted , young
Artemis asked to be protector of the young , wild animals , huntress , bow and
arrows, untamed places and lands in addition to be pure and remain untouched . Artemis
virginity is quite interesting, for many reasons. To begin with, her band of
nymphs have to remain as pure as her. They have to follow Artemis in all ways
this idea is argued by Jennifer Larson ‘Handmaidens of Artemis’ (Larson, 1997).
Furthermore she is a patroness of childbirths and marriage yet she remains a virgin
this will be discussed later throughout the blog. Nevertheless, her virginity
is somewhat sexualized unlike compared that of Athena. Lastly yet despite the
fact that her virginity is somewhat occasionally sensationalized and sexualized
those who insult her for instance watching her bathe, are punished severely. So
we have a to a certain degree mystified qualities of Artemis. This can be seen
quite evidently in three sources the
first one is by Jeremy Tanner in his ‘Nature , Culture and the body in
classical Greek Religious Art’ Journal. Here he is looking at the different
classical representations of art, here he looks at two classical Greek
goddesses. That being Artemis and Aphrodite. Here she argues that these two
classical goddesses, characteristics and principles are implicated in art. One is ‘Artemis of Gabii’ the other is
‘Aphrodite of Frejus’ For example Jeremy Tanner is arguing the ‘Artemis of Gabii’
statue is that of a girl with a boyish figure flat chested , in addition she is
known for wearing the ‘short skirted chiton’ stands for a free wild independent
woman free of marriage and motherhood and most importantly men . Whereas
Aphrodite, ‘Aphrodite of Frejus’ statue is that of a voluptuous well rounded,
childbearing figure. Artemis is straightforward no hint of arousal, her body is
sporty her body captivates the hunt, running freely. Whereas Aphrodite is
sensuous her body captivates what she presents, love and sex.
Artemis is a patroness of marriage. Artemis and the band of nymphs
played a role for the passage to young adolescent to womanhood. That of course
being marriage and childhood. They would dance hold festivals. But so did
Artemis and her nymphs. Artemis would dance at night in the woods and her nymphs
would dance in honour of her. Sometimes
Artemis leading the dance to celebrate the moon and everything sacred to her,
which as a result can sometimes confuse for what she stood for. Such as “her
virginity is not asexual like Athena, but is highly sexualized, just like that
of the Greek maiden of marriageable age (Larson,1997:255)”. It could be argued
that, Artemis is forever youthful adolescent who is accentuates undiscovered sexuality
but blossomed self-confidence. Furthermore, Artemis creates a sense of allure,
this may not be on purpose nevertheless creates an a attraction towards her
that interferes for all what she stands for .
Artemis: patroness of marriage , childbirth
and death
As previously mentioned before, Artemis is a goddess of many
qualities she is a patroness of marriage, childbirth and death and many more. Nonetheless here I will focus on these three.
Mostly because they are steps and processes to adulthood and natural steps of life.
So in a way they are closely intertwined. Yes Artemis is a virgin goddess, some
will ask how can I goddess who never had sex be patroness of marriage and childbirth.
Well that’s simple and can be answered simply, and it’s to do with her origins.
Artemis is the daughter of Leto and Zeus.
Leto is a nature goddess lover of Zeus. When Hera wife of Zeus found out that Leto
was pregnant. She was enraged. So Leto had to run. No matter where she ran no
place on earth would shelter her, as they feared the wrath of Hera and
therefore her actions. As a result heavily pregnant and alone Leto finally
found a desolate place it was and an island called Delos. There she gave birth
to artemis it was a long and difficult birth . Seeing this artemis helped her
mother with the birth and delivery of her twin brother Apollo which took nine
painful days. it can be suggested artemis was a mid -wife to her mother . Therefore
this is why she is patroness of
childbirth as she had the maternal instincts from birth and what’s best then to
help your own mother give birth to your brother . “It is noteworthy that
Artemis repeatedly came to her mother’s aid. No other goddess is known for
this. Other women successfully appealed to her (Bolen,2004:48)”. It’s these
maternal instincts which are wanted by young girls in preparation for marriage and mothers to be .
Another reason it can be argued why Artemis is patroness of
childhood and marriage. Artemis always
there for near rape victims. This is due to the fact she is protestor of the
vulnerable . Certainly this is a strange topic to discuss, but rape or forced love is a common theme in
ancient classical Greek literature. And
those closest to her and herself have been threatened by this. The ‘wood-land’ nymph Arethusa was bathing
naked in the river the river god felt attracted to her and pursued her she
called for Artemis help. Artemis came and transformed Arethusa into a spring of
water. Another example is, Leto Artemis and Apollo’s mother. Leto was nearly
raped by the giant Tityus who was a giant. Artemis and Apollo killed the giant
with their bows and arrows. Yet, another example of rape was when the river god
tried to rape Artemis this time. To protect herself and her modesty she covered
herself and her band of nymphs in mud. She did this so the river god would not
be able to tell the nymphs and the goddess Artemis herself apart. As I said
there is a, continuous theme of rape. Overall there is usage of rape in
classical literature antiquity. Why? Well honestly I’m not sure. There’s
further future research that can be done there. Nevertheless, I still could
argue that rape was a divine right for men, men could not control their urges,
and / or they are weak. Another argument, could be rape was something not even
the divine goddesses could avoid, this could be because immoral characteristics
of the gods and mortal men were comparable.
This can be seen by Jennifer Larson’s book ‘Ancient Greek cults’.
Here in her Artemis chapter she discusses unbelievable topic between the use of
rape by enemies of the ancient Greeks towards adolescent girl’s followers of
Artemis. For example “a number of myths and legends draw a clear analogy
between the rape of young women celebrating Artemis festivals and the
penetration of polis terrority by enemies. The Spartans traced their hostility
toward the Messenians to such an incident (Larson,1997:106)”. Consequently this
conveys the idea , of what I previously suggested that rape and that of the
ancient Greek goddess Artemis unfortunately intertwined . Yes this differs to
that of a myth compared to an actual historical event but the fact that these
young women who were virginal and follower’s of Artemis experienced this as a
use of weapon by enemies of the Greeks specifically the Spartans. What would be
interesting would be to find out what happened after this horrific event. What
did the Spartans do to get redemption for
artemis and the women’s insult .
it would be better if Larson talks about what happened afterwards and
how it impacted Artemis image of patroness of young girls . Instead, of
focusing on all the flaws of the greek goddess Artemis .
Artemis: patroness for boys and girls
Artemis the classical Greek goddess had cults from Ancient Greek to Asia minor to Attica and Orthia in Sparta .Artemis had many cults that worshipped her mainly for guidance and protection due to the transition of childhood to adulthood. As well as the many qualities she obtains her patroness of
the vulnerable was very significant . She was patroness of the girls because
she guided them for marriage as well as when they became mothers. Also
protector of boys for when they come of age to become more involved of the state.
It was her guardianship of guiding children of what was expected of them when
they got older . I could understand why she was patroness for girls and women
but not boys. Then I realized its due to her Androgynous qualities that Artemis
obtains. Nonetheless Ruth Léger’s article
‘A Sanctuary of Artemis the Fertility Goddess’ does what the title says
. She is looking at the findings of archaeological evidence in a ‘sanctuary’ in
Sparta specifically a place called Orthia . here she is trying to analyse how a
virginal goddess can be a fertility goddess at the same time .
In Brauron she had female
cults who danced at night in the woods dressed as bears , yet in Sparta her
cult differed . for example “the rites of Artemis Orthia in Sparta involved a
rite of passage ceremony for males. Spartan rites of passage contained races, trials
and ritual nudity (Leger,2013:17)”. This conveys the idea that with the Spartans
it was the survival of the toughest and fittest . Leger talks about the fact
that Spartan boys wore masks horrible looking masks this signified of what life
brings the harshness and cruelty of life . musical figures both female and male
were found as well as mucical instruments specially ‘flutes’ . just like the
girls in Brauron the Spartan boys also danced .
In addition to that Leger
argues how further archaeological findings at this site helps understand how
artemis got the characteristic of ‘fertility’ goddess . For instance “Spartan figurines include
warriors, charioteers, horsemen and bowmen found in lead, pottery and bone.
Horses were known as the animals for warriors, more specifically for
charioteers and cavalry((Leger,2013:18)”. These artefacts were offerings for
the ancient Greek goddess . this should not be seen as unusual Greeks believed
giving their dearly and prized processions for the gods and goddesses . horses
were very important for the Spartan’s they were a civilization known for their
best soldiers and fighters . horses were important for the Spartan’s , and lets
not forgot she was a huntress goddess with bows and arrows . This entwines with
her androgynous features . so what does this have to do with her being a
fertility goddess . the Spartans were known for preparing boys of a young age
for war and being the strongest soldier. And what’s the best way of insuring
new generation of young boys . by asking the patroness of the vulnerable to
protect the new generation of warriors and defenders of Sparta.
Therefore how can she be patroness of the young. well her feritlity meaning her motherly
guidance and protection was admired and worshipped . because she encouraged the
safe child rearing of the nest new generation .she helps protect girls and boys
and prepares them for adulthood. Girls danced wildly as a last chance of freedom
before marriage and motherhood.
Artemis and Apollo
Artemis and Apollo are twin brother and sister their mother Leto
and Father of course Zeus. Artemis and Apollo differ compared to the other Olympian
god and goddesses siblings. They are feared and very powerful. What’s more it’s
very interesting to read literature on both of them because the general theme of
both Artemis and Apollo is that of fear and power. For example “Like her
brother, Apollo she would exact a terrible revenge on her enemies(Frost,2006:78)”. Similarly, in addition to that another event
shows how deadly Apollo and Artemis can be. There is an event where leto Apollo
and Artemis mother is insulted by Niobe , she said she was a better mother and
woman because she had more children then leto, Niobe had seven or 6 sons and
daughter whereas leto only had two . Niobe was the wife of a king, King Amphion
. She claimed that she was better not only for the fact she bared more children
than her but she was the wife of a king and has been family her. Niobe had profoundly
insulted Leto and consequently Apollo and Artemis avenged their mother. for instance
“Apollo killed all of Niobe’s sons whereas Artemis killed all of Niobe’s
daughters, except one called Chloris. The twanging of the bows matched with the
screams of the dying children. (Waterfield &Waterfield:52)”. The reason why this happened not only because
Apollo and Artemis defended their mother’s honour bloodthirstily, but probably
to show and warn anyone who chooses to insult their mother and them.
Artemis: mercilessness
In Jennifer Larson’s 'ancient Greek cults, a guide' specifically
her chapter section regarding Artemis 'the tender and the savage' she
highlights the fact yes she was a caring and affectionate to the young, vulnerability
of mothers and new-borns, her mother and of course to her wildlife animals. Nonetheless,
Larson also shows Artemis un-merciless side to those that offends her, harms
those she cares and loves and her need for death and sacrifice. What's more
throughout this chapter she shows the different cults and mannerisms requiring blood.
Such cults as Artemis ‘Tauropolos’ and ‘Ortheia’.
In addition further evidence that supports this view of a
bloodthirsty Artemis is another cult/ festival . for example “at Halae
Araphenides in Attica a festival known as the Tauropolia involved the offering
of some drops of blood from a man’s neck (Kennedy, 1998: 48)”.This quote
suggests that one way of pleasing Artemis was that of blood from a man.
Another self-sacrificial bloodthirsty act from a cult is a Spartan
one. Where the prolongation of bloody acts to please that of the ancient Greek goddess
Artemis. This one concentrated the Spartan initiation of who can endure the
most pain . Both Jennifer Larson ‘Ancient
Greek Cults’ and Mike Dixon-Kennedy ‘Encyclopedia of Greco-Roman Mythology’
talk of how acts that would involve blood young boys blood being showered with
their blood .
Overall, all this suggests that Artemis was not a goddess to mess around
with. When she loved she loved whether it was animals or humans .in addition to,
if they were endangered or hurt any ways she would hurt anyone who did it. She
was a female physically, and yet even though she had no children of her own and
remained a virgin her first duty when being born was to aid and help her mother
deliver her twin brother Apollo. Because of this her maternal acts is what
encouraged women, young mothers and children and as well as soldiers to worship
her for protection. Nevertheless, despite all that being said her maternal and caring
instincts were balanced by an aggressive and often bloodthirsty behaviour and
her independent and tomboyish ways. This is because maybe how her mother
suffered kept her from wanting marriage and children, she did not want to be burdened
with men and roamed around with her nymphs, yet she did not have children but
had her animals. Yes she is an androgynous goddess who some may argue has
conflicting qualities but personally I see it as a goddess who balanced her femininity
with violent and masculinity. As well as fought the constraints of being a
goddess by living an goddess less life and did not want her life to be
determined by her gender and those in Olympus.
Bibliography :
1. Frost,R.,(2006)
Ancient Greece: It’s principal Gods and minor Deities, United Kingdom: Athena
press
2. Larson.,(2007)Ancient
Greek cults, A guide, New York: Routledge, Google books : https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=Fte40xG08loC&printsec=frontcover&output=reader&authuser=0&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA101
(accessed:12/12/13)
3. Leger,R.,(2013)
‘A sanctuary of Artemis the fertility Goddess’,Vol.13.5,pp.16-21: http://www.rosetta.bham.ac.uk/Colloquium2013/leger.pdf
(accessed 29/12/2013)
4. Kenndedy,D,M.,(1998)
‘Encyclopedia of Greco-Roman mythology, Oxford:ABC – CLIO
5. Shinoda,J.,(2004)
powerful archetypes in women’s lives : goddesses in Every woman, united states
(San-Francisco) : harper Collins (first published 1985)
6. Waterfied,R.,
&K. Waterfield, (2011) the Greek myths, London: Quercus
