What Is Artemis' Bow Called

Hannah Arendt

less than a minute read

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01-12-2024

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In Greek mythology, Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, the Moon, and childbirth, is frequently depicted with a powerful bow and quiver of arrows. However, her bow doesn't have a specific, universally agreed-upon name in the surviving myths and literature.

Unlike some other mythological weapons, such as Thor's hammer Mjolnir or Excalibur, King Arthur's sword, Artemis's bow lacks a distinct name bestowed upon it by ancient Greek writers. The focus in the myths typically lies on Artemis' skill and prowess as an archer, rather than the attributes of her weaponry.

While many artistic representations showcase her bow, these depictions don't assign it a name. The emphasis is instead on its power and the goddess's unparalleled archery abilities. Her bow symbolizes her authority over the wild and her swift, deadly accuracy.

In essence, Artemis's bow is simply referred to as "Artemis's bow" or a similar descriptive phrase. There is no established mythological name for this iconic weapon. The lack of a name shouldn't diminish its importance in the stories; it remains a crucial element signifying the goddess's power and mastery of her domain.