In Greek mythology, Artemis or Artemis (in ancient Greek Ἄρτεμις —nominative— or Ἀρτέμιδος —genitive—) was one of the most venerated and oldest deities. She is the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, virgin land, births, virginity and maidens, which she brought and alleviated women's diseases. Daughter of Zeus and Leto and twin sister of Apollo, she is part of the pantheon of the twelve Olympian gods.
She was often depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows, the deer and cypress were sacred to her. Some scholars believe that her name, and indeed the goddess herself, was originally pre-Greek. She is referred to in the Iliad as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron, 'Artemis of the Virgin Land, Mistress of Animals'. in the Iliad she and Hermes rescued Ares, who had been chained by the Aloadas.
In later Hellenistic times, the figure of Artemis even assumed the role of Illithia as helper of the deliveries and ended up being identified with Selene, a Titaness who was the Greek goddess of the Moon (which is why she is sometimes represented with a moon). growing over head). She was also identified with the Roman goddess Diana, with the Etruscan Artume, and with the Greek or Carian Hecate.
