Story Summary
Explore the Greek myth of Zeus and Callisto, a tragic tale of a nymph’s transformation into a bear and her eventual ascent to the stars as the Great Bear.
Callisto was a devoted follower of the goddess Artemis, sworn to a life of chastity and the hunt in the rugged mountains of Arcadia. Her beauty, however, caught the eye of Zeus, who disguised himself to approach the wary nymph. When Callisto’s pregnancy was discovered during a bath, the chaste Artemis banished her in a fit of rage. Callisto gave birth to a son named Arcas, but her suffering was far from over. Hera, Zeus's wife, discovered the infidelity and cruelly transformed Callisto into a mangy brown bear. For fifteen years, Callisto lived in fear, hunted by the very creatures she once pursued. One day, she encountered her son, now a grown hunter, who did not recognize his mother in the beast. As Arcas raised his spear to deliver a fatal blow, Zeus intervened. To save them both, he turned Arcas into a bear as well and swept them into the heavens. There, they became the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, forever safe from earthly harm.
The Moral
Even when the innocent are victimized by the powerful, their legacy can find eternal peace and recognition beyond the reach of their persecutors.
“I shall place you where the world can see you, far above the reach of earthly jealousy.”
Fun Fact
The term 'Arctic' comes from the Greek word 'arktos,' meaning bear, named after the northern constellations of Callisto and Arcas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Zeus and Callisto?
The story highlights how the innocent often suffer due to the actions and jealousies of those in power. However, it also suggests that there is a cosmic justice that can grant eternal peace and legacy to the wronged.
Who turned Callisto into a bear?
In most versions of the myth, Hera transformed Callisto into a bear as a punishment for Zeus's infidelity. Some alternative versions suggest Zeus did it to hide her, or Artemis did it as punishment for breaking her vow.
What constellation did Callisto become?
Callisto became Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. Her son, Arcas, was placed beside her as Ursa Minor, the Little Bear.
Why did Artemis banish Callisto?
Artemis required all her hunting companions to remain chaste. When she discovered Callisto was pregnant, she felt the nymph had betrayed her sacred vows and banished her from the group.
Who was Callisto's son?
Callisto's son was Arcas, a celebrated hunter and the mythological ancestor of the Arcadians. He was later transformed into a bear and became a constellation along with his mother.
How did Zeus save Callisto from her son?
When Arcas was about to kill the bear that was his mother, Zeus snatched them both up into the sky. He transformed them into stars to prevent a tragic matricide and protect them from Hera's further wrath.
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