Who were the Arktoi?

These small girls were called arktoi (“bears”), commemorating the mythical story about the sacred she-bear of Artemis, killed by the brother of one of these girls, serving in the sanctuary. For this reason the arktoi wore clothes of crocus color, to remember the appearance and demise of this sacred animal.

What is Brauron in Greek mythology?

The sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron (Modern Greek: Βραυρώνα – Vravrona) is an early sacred site on the eastern coast of Attica near the Aegean Sea in a small inlet. The inlet has silted up since ancient times, pushing the current shoreline farther from the site.

Who is goddess Artemis?

Artemis, in Greek religion, the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, and vegetation and of chastity and childbirth; she was identified by the Romans with Diana. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo. Artemis as a huntress, Classical sculpture; in the Louvre, Paris.

Is the Arkteia based on a Greek myth?

The interpretation of the arkteia is based on the myth of the bear, whose death invoked the wrath of Artemis which had to be atoned for with the periodic service at the sanctuary from young Athenian girls. [5] Vase fragments with some ritual scenes depicted.

Who was Kallisto the Bear in Greek mythology?

(Kallisto was identified in later mythology as a follower of Artemis, but probably was once an epithet of Artemis, “the fair,” like Pallas Athena.) In particular, I’m reminded of the Brauronalia, a cult at the ancient Greek sanctuary of Brauron. During this festival, prepubescent girls dressed as arktoi, Greek for “bears.”

Where did the Arkteia ritual take place in Athens?

Evidence can be found in similar krateriskoi found in the other sanctuaries such as Piraeus, Mounychia, and Artemis Agrotera at Athens. This probably means that the arkteia ritual was not confined only to Brauron, but took place in other sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess.

What was the significance of the Arkteia of Artemis?

A major part of the Arkteia was the presence of animal symbolism. The symbolism served to give the children (aged five to ten years old, ideally ten) an introduction to environmental education and concern for nature. This is due in large part to Artemis’s reputation as a protector of wildlife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mJnArQ81lg