The Wonder Woman of the Ancient World

Goddess of the Hunt: Artemis

Dear Classical Wisdom Kids,

We are getting back on track! Or best we can among the holiday cheer... Earlier we sent you a short teaser of today’s lesson, a video of a goddess and lion, to help introduce this extremely important ancient Greek goddess, the Wonder Woman of the Ancient World. 

What’s super cool about this fantastic mythological huntress is that she is also the name of the most recent space program, which launched just over one year ago. 

In fact, if you missed our postcard on the Classics and Space, you can find it here: 

But who exactly was this goddess? And what can her story teach us today? Read on below to discover Artemis: Wonder Woman of the Ancient World. 

All the best,

Anya Leonard

Founder and Director

Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom Kids

P.S. Classical Wisdom Kids members, make sure to check out our printables below! If you aren’t a member, subscribe here to join:

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Artemis: Wonder Woman of the Ancient World

Artemis is one of the ancient Greek goddesses, known as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild animals. In Greek mythology, Artemis is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Leto, a Titaness. She is the twin sister of Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and prophecy. She was actually born first, and as the older twin, she then helped bring her brother to be born.

Artemis is shown as a young and strong goddess, armed with a bow and arrows, as she was a skilled huntress. She is also associated with the moon, particularly as a symbol of its gentle and nurturing aspects. In some stories, Artemis is the protector of young animals and children.

Scene from sacrifice in honour of Artemis-Diana who is accompanied by a deer. Fresco from the triclinium of the house of Vettii in Pompeii Italy, between 62 CE and 79 CE (Destruction of Pompeii).

One of the most famous myths involving Artemis is the story of Actaeon, a young Greek man who accidentally stumbled upon Artemis while she was bathing. To preserve her modesty and punish Actaeon for his intrusion, Artemis turned him into a stag.

Artemis is also known for having saved the infant Atalanta, a famous ancient Greek heroine who was one of the Argonauts, by sending a female bear to nurture the infant.

You can often spot Artemis easily in paintings and sculptures, as she is seen with a bow and arrows, accompanied by a deer, or set in a forest location. Some of her other symbols include chariots, spears, the lyre, hunting dogs, bears, boars, and the buzzard hawk.

Artemis is revered in ancient Greek religion and mythology for her connection to nature, her independence, and her role in guarding the wilderness. Temples and sanctuaries dedicated to Artemis were built in various parts of ancient Greece, including her temple at Ephesus in Ionia, which became one of the Seven Wonders of the (ancient) World. 

Perhaps one of the most surprising legacies though is her association with her Roman counterpart. Whilst the Greeks know her as Artemis, the Romans preferred the name Diana. Diana, of course, is the daughter of Jupiter, the Roman form of Zeus, King of the Gods. As such, Diana is a princess.

That name may sound familiar, and with good reason. Diana Prince is the name used by Wonder Woman when living in the normal world. Wonder Woman is an Amazon who was born to the Queen of the Amazons and is a daughter of none other than… Zeus. So it could be that the inspiration for the original character does, in fact, come from the ancient Greek goddess, Artemis.

Artemis is known throughout the ancient and modern world, as a woman of intelligence, determination, righteousness, and as a protector of defenseless women. She is respected as a woman who knows her own mind, and who will not be swayed to appease others... so she is a good goddess to know! 

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