Britomartis is a virgin goddess of hunting-, fishing- and fowling-nets who was primarily worshipped on the island of Crete in ancient times.
Genealogy and Family[]
Britomartis was identified as the daughter of Zeus, King of the Gods and Carme, a Cretan demi-goddess of the Harvest in several sources. She is usually considered to be an Oread/Mountain Nymph. She was closely associated with her half-sister, Artemis in religion.
Role and Significance[]
Britomartis, a goddess of hunting, fishing, nets and traps, was not well known in Ancient Greece, being mostly worshipped on the island of Crete, where she had temples in her honour. The catch of the nets--small game, fish, and fowl--was served as a relish beside the staple meal of bread. Bread itself was apparently the province of Britomartis' mother Carme "Lady of the Harvest".
The Greeks identified her with Aphaea, a primitive local goddess of Aegina whose temple there is famous for its pedimental sculptures.
Story[]
Britomartis was a virgin huntress of the island of Crete. When the lustful king Minos of Crete, attempted to seduce her, she fled his advances, raced the length of the island and leapt into the sea. There she was caught in the nets of fishermen and carried to the safety of the island of Aigina (Aegina). For her chastity she was rewarded by Artemis with immortality. Britomartis would also join Artemis as one of her attendants.
Personality[]
Skills and Abilities[]
She has eternal youth. If she is an Oread then her life is tied to a mountain and she lives and dies when this area of nature does.
Symbols[]
Her sacred animal is the Hunting dog.
Relationships[]
Zeus- Zeus is Britomartis' father who loves her very much.
Artemis- Britomartis, is beloved by her half-sister, Artemis who would take on her name and be worshipped under it, the two would also become closely identified with one another in religion. Britomartis is also one of Artemis' constant companions, serving as an attendant in her retinue.
Greek name[]
Britomartis' official Greek name is Βριτομαρτις it means "sweet maiden'"
She was also called Dictynna (Ancient Greek: Δικτυννα) meaning " of the nets".
Trivia[]
Sources[]
Theoi.com