By Ellen Lorenzi-Prince © 2005 All rights reserved
But the goddess with a bold heart turns
every way destroying the race of wild beasts.
Homeric Hymn, ca. 800
– 300 BCE
Artemis
was the Lady of Beasts. She ruled the wilderness and the creatures born there,
the fearful and dangerous places and their animals. She required respect for
herself and for them. Her favor guaranteed success in hunting and fishing; her
curse sent a ravaging of boars or bears.
Image source: Etruscan
Vase, ca. 570 – 560 BCE