Myth of the Month: Actaeon

Artemis became not only the Goddess of the hunt and the wilderness of the natural world, but also of virginity. She beseeched Her Father Zeus to remain unwed and therefore a virgin for all time. Out of love for His daughter, He granted this request, and Artemis became a fierce guardian of Her own chastity, especially if it came to be threatened or disrespected by men. There was one day a hunter named Actaeon, grandson of Kadmos, who accidentally happened upon Her bathing naked in the forest. Instead of turning away in a pious manner and leaving, he chose to stand and stare at Her body sexually. When Her eyes caught him, there was no escape from the offense. She transformed him into a deer, and turned his own 50 hounds upon him who ripped him to shreds.

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