Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths

Zeus fell in love with a nymph called Leto, prompting Hera to become jealous and to curse Leto to be pregnant but unable to give birth “anywhere the sun shines” (39). Hera sent the serpent Python to chase Leto out of any sunny location until Zeus ordered the south wind to carry Leto to the island of Delos. There, Leto gave birth to twins, Artemis and Apollo.

Zeus brought the twins to Olympus, instructing Hephaestus to craft a golden bow, arrows, and chariot for Apollo. Zeus asked Artemis what she wanted, and she asked to be a maiden forever, with a silver bow and arrows, a short tunic suitable for running, wood nymphs to hunt with, ocean nymphs to sing for her, and a pack of swift hunting dogs. She also asked for many names, for the mountains to be designated her sacred place, and for a city. Zeus granted every request and invited her to hand-pick her gifts.

Artemis and her nymphs travelled to the Cyclopes’s workshop for her silver bow and arrow. Brontes, the lead Cyclops, tried to make her sit in his lap, but she pulled out his chest hair.