Why does artemis kill orion

Night after night, the winged horses pulled the moon and Artemis from east to west across the sky. But there was a problem: The gods could not mingle with the mortals. One night as she was guiding the moon, she gave into temptation. It was love at first sight for the hunter. The king of the gods was enraged and acted immediately to squelch the unlawful love affair.

He ordered Apollo to take a giant scorpion to the island. But as they emerged from the bushes he realized it was the nymphs of the Artemis. Even though he called his dogs off, they continued to chase and nip at the heels of the nymphs. Artemis heard the nymphs screaming in terror and asked Zeus for help. Zeus looked down and turned the seven nymphs into seven doves who soared high into the sky and then transformed into a cluster of stars.

These stars would be known as the constellation, Pleiades — the Seven Sisters. Artemis was furious as she approached the remorseful Orion with her bow and arrow drawn. He averted his gaze and dropped to his knees as a sign of respect.

But as she gazed upon his soft features and handsome face, she lowered her weapon. Instead, she asked him to join her in the hunt. And so he did. They spent the days running through the forests, hunting, and gathering. At night they would share stories around the fire about their triumphs and tribulations. They would dance and sing, laugh and cry. Some would even argue that they fell in love, even though there is no evidence that Artemis broke her vow to her maidenhood.

One morning, Apollo was walking through the forest when he saw a low-burning fire. He found his sister, Artemis sleeping in the arms of Orion. Apollo was immediately filled with rage and jealousy at the thought of Artemis loving a mortal.

That night, Orion had a nightmare that a giant scorpion was trying to kill him. She also has strong connections to the Gorgon, Medusa. Many of the important figures among her retinue of nymphs are believed to be local goddesses who were similar in function to Artemis. Previous: The Argonauts. Next: Athena. Share This Book Share on Twitter. Orion was immediately captivated by him, and naturally so. Apollo's heart was also caught by Orion's friendly company and gentle yet thoroughly masculine manner.

Apollo took as his lovers many women and goddesses, and also men and gods. Unlike Orion, he was secretive about those male assignations, and would deny them if questioned about their exact nature. But the attraction between Apollo and Orion took its natural course, and before the end of the afternoon the man and god had enjoyed together all the pleasures of manhood, to their mutual satisfaction.

As the sun set they lay together in tender friendship murmuring in quiet conversation. Orion mentioned his happy anticipation of the return of Artemis and how the three of them might now be friends. Apollo stiffened in anger at the mention of his sister's name, for he had forgotten his mis-informed but potent jealousy. Orion laughed before he could think not to. She has not known me, nor any man.

We are companions, but of the hunt and the forest, not any bed or bower. Besides, I am a lover of men'as thou art. Apollo saw the truth in what Orion said. He did not relish realizing his mistake, and he lashed out at Orion. Orion cowered at his feet, an unlikely posture for such a noble man, but he thought it prudent in the face of this capricious god.

Apollo picked up Orion's head by his hair and bellowed into his face, "I am not a lover of men--like you," and he spat out the last phrase in disgust. You are nothing but a boy, to sport with. Hours after Apollo left him, Orion was found by Artemis in the dark, weeping quietly. She comforted him, and hearing his story, took him to his house, and left him alone, as was his wish.