Story Summary
Explore the tragic myth of Artemis and Callisto, a story of divine betrayal, a nymph's transformation into a bear, and the celestial origin of the Great Bear.
Callisto was a beautiful nymph and a devoted follower of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Like all of Artemis's companions, she swore a sacred vow of chastity. However, the king of the gods, Zeus, became infatuated with her. Disguising himself to win her trust, Zeus seduced Callisto, leaving her pregnant and terrified. She hid her condition for months until one day, while bathing in a mountain stream, Artemis discovered the truth. Enraged by the perceived betrayal of her laws, Artemis banished Callisto from her presence. After Callisto gave birth to a son named Arcas, the vengeful Queen Hera transformed the nymph into a shaggy bear as punishment for her husband's infidelity. For years, Callisto wandered the woods in fear. One day, she encountered Arcas, now a young hunter. Not recognizing his mother, Arcas raised his spear to kill her. Before the tragedy could unfold, Zeus intervened, snatching them both up and placing them in the heavens as the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
The Moral
The story illustrates how the innocent often suffer for the whims and conflicts of the powerful, while also explaining the eternal nature of the stars.
“To the stars she rose, a hunter transformed into the hunted, forever circling the celestial pole.”
Fun Fact
The name 'Arcas' is the root of the word 'Arcadia,' a region in Greece, and the myth serves as an etymological origin for the people who lived there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Artemis and Callisto?
The moral highlights the tragic vulnerability of mortals caught in the whims of gods. It reflects how innocence can be punished by those in power, regardless of intent or deception.
Why did Artemis banish Callisto?
Artemis banished Callisto because the nymph had broken her sacred vow of chastity. Even though Callisto was deceived by Zeus, the goddess demanded absolute purity from her followers.
Who turned Callisto into a bear?
In the most common versions of the myth, Hera turned Callisto into a bear out of jealousy over Zeus's affection. Some alternative versions suggest Artemis did it as punishment.
What constellation did Callisto become?
Callisto became the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. Her son, Arcas, was placed beside her as Ursa Minor, the Little Bear.
How did Zeus trick Callisto?
Zeus utilized his shapeshifting powers to take on a form Callisto trusted—often cited as either the goddess Artemis herself or the god Apollo—to get close to her.
Why do the Great and Little Bear never set below the horizon?
According to myth, the goddess Hera was so angry that she forbade the constellations from ever bathing in the cooling waters of the ocean, forcing them to circle the pole forever.
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