In Greek mythology, Artemis was the principal Olympian goddess of the hunt.
Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo. Ancient Greek tradition associated her with hunting, wild animals, wilderness, archery, and the protection of young people. Myths frequently depict her carrying a bow and traveling through forests with a group of nymphs.
Artemis was also connected with childbirth, a role that may seem surprising for a virgin goddess. According to myth, she helped with the birth of her twin brother Apollo shortly after being born herself. Her major sanctuaries included Brauron in Attica and Ephesus, where worship developed distinctive local features.
Artemis is often confused with Selene, the personification of the Moon. Later art sometimes linked Artemis with lunar imagery, but Selene is the specifically lunar divine figure in Greek mythology.