Diana

by Adele D. Richardson

Provides the story of Diana and her importance in Roman mythology, including her connection to such figures as Actaeon and Orion, and describes the role of myths in the modern world.

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Adele D. Richardson

Reviews

[Lynda Breithaupt-Muenzer]

Richardson, Adele. Diana. (2003). In Roman mythology Diana was the goddess of hunting and the moon. She shone with a silver light like the moon. Amongst all the other gods, she was the ultimate hunter. She was also known as Artemis in Greek mythology. Diana was also the goddess of childbirth, animals and forests. She protected animals and children and women while giving birth. Romans and Greeks believed she was real and built temples in her honor. Throughout history many forms of art depict Diana as the huntress, standing with her bow and arrow and an animal such as a deer by her side. The story in this book tells of Diana being born to Jupiter, the ruler of the Olympians, and his mistress, the Titaness Latona. Jupiter's wife, Juno, was angry and chased Latona all over as she did not want her to give birth to Jupiter's children (Latona was carrying twins, Diana and Apollo) on earth. Latona found sanctuary on the island of Delos which, in myths, was a rocky island that floated above the sea. Diana was born first and then helped her mother deliver Diana's brother, Apollo. Diana's father allowed her three wishes on her third birthday. She first wished to stay young. She never wanted to marry or have children of her own. Then she wished for a silver bow and arrows. Jupiter's son, Vulcan, made her magic arrows that did not cause any pain when they struck animals. Diana's last wish was for a pack of ten hunting dogs. All her wishes were granted. It's fascinating that one god could have power over another god, even if you were a woman (no fighting for equality in 2000 B.C.) ! It seems that gods and goddesses had very bad tempers as well. When Actaeon was hunting one night, he heard some noises in a strange group of trees. He decided to explore the area of this grove and was delighted to see Diana and some nymphs bathing in a moonlit lake. He was entranced by Diana's beauty, but Diana was infuriated and threw water at him, turning him into a deer. He was frightened and began running away. His own dogs didn't recognize him and chased him, then killed him. Diana was not to be messed with! Mythology is captivating to a wide range of ages because the myths can be so flamboyant, creative and often appalling. I, personally became engaged with such stories when I was ten years old. Growing up with four brothers and no sisters; I felt empowered by reading about the goddesses.