Artemis and Orion

Tweet

The Greek Mythology story of Artemis and Orion has always been my favorite. Here it is for those of you who don't know it: Orion resided with Eos, goddess of the dawn, in her palace in the sky. Orion had captured Eos's heart as he had done with many others. Artemis was passing Eos's palace and she happened to see Orion. She immediately fell for him and he for her. They went off together hunting great beasts, on an enchanting and loving journey. Unfortunately, all happy stories must end. Apollo, Artemis's twin brother, grew very jealous of Orion. Normally, Artemis focused all her love (and praising) on Apollo because she renounced men. Now suddenly, she was off with Orion and ignoring Apollo. Enraged by the ignoring, Apollo devised a plan for getting rid of Orion. The first step was to send a giant scorpion after him. The scorpion and Orion were evenly matched; neither could do harm to the other. Finally, Orion waded far out into the water, knowing that scorpions hated water and that he'd be protected (his father was Poseidon). The second step was for Apollo to lead his sister to the water. He claimed that the floating blob was a man who had assaulted one of her maidens. Artemis quickly killed Orion with an arrow. After, realizing the truth, she pleaded that Orion be given immortality and eternal youth. The gods said no. She then snatched up Orion's essence and put him in the stars. I love this story! What is your favorite Greek mythology story?