ARTEMIS Goddess of the Moon (Greek / Roman)

 

Artemis is one of the few Greek Gods who had been granted command over multiple spheres of influences. She was, however, more associated with hunting and the Wild and eventually, these two terms came to be known in one singularity - the Wild Hunt. Artemis specifically hunts down monsters and agents of Chaos that threatens the Pantheon she swore to protect.

Artemis is also known as the Goddess of the Moon, having taken over the duties from Selene, the original Moon Goddess. Because of her association with the Wild Hunt, having sacred animals such as wolves and arctic deer as her companions, and the Moon, she was slowly associated with winter and thus, the Element of Frost.

Artemis is often seen as cold and emotionless. As the Goddess of the Wild Hunt, Artemis has some ties to Nature. However, unlike most of the Nature Gods, Artemis has no qualm or restriction in the killing of animals. Whenever the Pantheon meets to discuss affairs that involve the mortals, Artemis often takes the stand opposite of those who support the mortals. Compared to other Gods in the Pantheon, even Hades, Artemis is one who has the least interaction with the mortals, including her own followers.

Initially, Artemis only accepts female followers who are virgins, for she herself is one of the few Goddesses in Greek Mythology who kept her chastity. If it was thought that she disliked mortals, then she definitely hates men. Her curses to mortal men are often cruel and deadly, whereas her love for her virgin maidens, shown in her raising them as eternal maidens of the Wild Hunt, seem to be proof that she is indeed biased. No one, not even her own followers, knew when Artemis started to accept men into her ranks. Male eternal hunters and followers appeared one day - the way they handled their tasks and their hold over the powers of the Frost indicated that the conversion did not happen overnight. Till this day, Artemis has yet to reveal why she has allowed such a change.

As a Goddess who is into hunting, Artemis is known for her combat prowess. Powerful indeed, second only to her siblings Athena and Ares, Artemis constantly carries her Crescent Bow with her even when she is resting. Like a mortal hunter, Artemis is ever watchful and on the ready. When she begins her Wild Hunt, or during battle, her usual garments transform into a set of shining armor that is too beautiful to behold. Not only does this armor showcases her beauty and ferocity at the same time, the armor glows with the potent luminance of the moon - nothing can be hidden in the shadows as long as Artemis is on the hunt.

Artemis not only grants her followers immortality, but she also seeks to soothe their hurt and anger with the light of the moon. Her followers find solace in the dimness of a moonlit night and where others find it hard to withstand the chills of the Frost, her followers are able to regain health and vitality from it. Artemis also expects her followers to be adept with not only the magic of the Frost but physical strength as well, so as to better accompany their Goddess in the eternal Wild Hunt.