Week 3.4 Artemis Part 1 Slides PDF

CLASSICS 102 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY C. Myles Chykerda Sessional Instructor, Department of Humanities Diane de Versailles, Louvre MR 152 All that I have cited as evidence – paintings, statues, gems and coins – I have myself seen and examined repeatedly. WEEK 3.4 Artemis AKA… πότνια θηρῶν – Pot...

CLASSICS 102 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY C. Myles Chykerda Sessional Instructor, Department of Humanities Diane de Versailles, Louvre MR 152 All that I have cited as evidence – paintings, statues, gems and coins – I have myself seen and examined repeatedly. WEEK 3.4 Artemis AKA… πότνια θηρῶν – Potnia Theron, Mistress of Animals Above: Pithos with relief, 625-600 BC. NAMA 355 Right: Artemis Orthia, ivory plate, 660 BC. NAMA A15502 Iliad 21.468: τὸν δὲ κασιγνήτη μάλα νείκεσε πότνια θηρῶν “even the queen of the wild beasts” Left: Seated Woman flanked by lionesses, Çatal Höyük, 6000 BC Right: Minoan signet ring, Knossos, LM I. Sketch by Jill Robbins based on impressions of clay sealings ESSENTIAL FEATURES Homeric Hymn to Artemis (27) I sing of Artemis, whose shafts are of gold, who cheers on the hounds, the pure maiden, shooter of stags, who delights in archery, own sister to Apollo with the golden sword. Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow, rejoicing in the chase, and sends out grievous shafts. The tops of the high mountains tremble and the tangled wood echoes awesomely with the outcry of beasts: earthquakes and the sea also where fishes shoal. But the goddess with a bold heart turns every way destroying the race of wild beasts: and when she is satisfied and has cheered her heart, this huntress who delights in arrows slackens her supple bow and goes to the great house of her dear brother Phoebus Apollo, to the rich land of Delphi, there to order the lovely dance of the Muses and Graces. There she hangs up her curved bow and her arrows, and heads and leads the dances, gracefully arrayed, while all they utter their heavenly voice, singing how neat-ankled Leto bare children supreme among the immortals both in thought and in deed. Hail to you, children of Zeus and rich-haired Leto! And now I will remember you and another song also ESSENTIAL FEATURES 2 Source: Homeric Hymn to Artemis (9) Muse, sing of Artemis, sister of the Farshooter, the virgin who delights in arrows, who was fostered with Apollo. She waters her horses from Meles deep in reeds, and swiftly drives her all-golden chariot through Smyrna to vine-clad Claros where Apollo, god of the silver bow, sits waiting for the far-shooting goddess who delights in arrows. And so hail to you, Artemis, in my song and to all goddesses as well. Of you first I sing and with you I begin; now that I have begun with you, I will turn to another song. CLAROS WHO THE HECK IS LETO? Leto is the mother of some saucy twins – Artemis and Apollo Daughter of Titans – Coeus and Phoebe Goddess of motherhood, modesty, and womanly demure, protector of young. Friend of the Trojans Gives birth to Artemis on Mt. Cynthus on Delos – Cynthia epithet Hera forces her to wander around carrying her babies LYCIAN FROGS Concept of Xenia Ovid Met. 6.313 Latona transforms the Lycian peasants into frogs, Palazzo dei Musei Modena “SINS” OF THE PARENT “Her thirst gave way to anger. Of such boors she'd asked no favour now, nor speak again in tones beneath a goddess. Raising her hands to heaven, "Live in that pool of yours," she cried, "For evermore!" And what she wished came true.” Ov. Met. 6.367 This streak of anger in Leto sets up for stories regarding Artemis. Leto and the Frogs’, by David Teniers the Younger NIOBE AND KIDS (PG-13) Tale from Ov. Met. 6.148-315 Niobe – queen of Thebes, strong lineage Theban women liked Leto and bestowed honours. Niobe, nouveau riche, wasn’t having any of that. Niobe claimed she was more beautiful, rich, and fertile than Leto. 14 kids vs. 2; said she could lose some. Also insulted their dress (Fabulae 9) Leto complained to her kids, who then went out and killed Niobe’s kids. Niobe tries to save her youngest and gets turned into stone and blown away to Phyrgia Hubris – not for the light-hearted Louvre, MNC 511 ; G 341 NIOBE KRATER A story rarely portrayed in Greek art Implied presence of body behind a landscape is an innovation in figural art Attempts to draw scenes in 3D space – multiple levels – didn’t catch on for pots ACTAEON Translated story in CM, 2251-3 Actaeon – moderate/modest man who gets lost while out hunting Sees Artemis naked Turns Actaeon into a deer Hunting chow down on Actaeon in deer form. Very sad Was she too severe? Boston MFA 10.185 CALLISTO AND ARCAS Ov. Met. 2.409-507, but see CM pp. 223-224 Critical importance of virginity for Artemis and her followers Callisto is impregnated by Zeus (disguised as Artemis) and then caste out of Artemis’ circle Added insult – Hera knew all along and turns Callisto into a bear More tales of Zeus making life bad for others Boston MFA 10.185 URSA MAJOR AND MINOR Callisto and Arcas etiology