Artemis

Artemis was the twin sister to Apollo and daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was the virgin Goddess of the hunt, and was a skilled archer like her brother. As a virgin, she was closely associated to the waxing phase of the moon. Artemis was fond of hunting and spent much of her time in the woods, accompanied by her pack of sacred hounds. Though she loved the hunt, she was a protector of all wild animals and the forests.

Artemis is depicted in artwork as a slim young woman, usually wearing a short hunting tunic, and carrying her silver bow. She was also sometimes illustrated as a many-breasted mother figure, though these images were typically only seen in the immediate area of Ephesus.

She was an independent female spirit and wasn't interested in relationships with men. Because of this, she was called upon by women who needed protection from men. Artemis was also a protectress during childbirth, due to the fact that she helped her mother Leto give birth to her twin brother only minutes after her own birth. Though she protected women and animals, she could be quick to mete out punishment as well, particularly when she was insulted or felt violated by men.

The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was the largest Greek temple ever built, and was the first to be built entirely of marble.

In the Roman pantheon, Artemis was known as Diana.