A Night With… Apollo & Artemis : Exploring the Myth and Its Echoes

Join us for the first session of our new discussion series “A Night With…”, where we dive into timeless myths and their universal messages.
This evening is dedicated to Apollo & Artemis, the divine twins, born from Zeus, king of the gods, and Leto, a Titaness. They share a strong sibling connection and often act together in myths, such as punishing those who insult their mother or aiding mortals who honour them, however they embody opposite entities and forces.

• Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and protector of young women. She is often associated with chastity and the moon.
• Apollo: God of music, prophecy, healing, and the sun. He became associated with harmony, reason, and the arts.

What to expect:

• I will open the meetup with a short introduction to Apollo & Artemis’s myth and share a few possible interpretations and connections.
• After that, the floor is yours! Bring your thoughts, reflections, and any links you see between this myth and other domains, e.g. literature, art, philosophy, psychology, history or even your own creative work.
• If you’re an artist and your work resonates with the divine twins' story, feel free to share it with the group.

Before the event:
Take 5 minutes to read the quick snippet of Apollo & Artemis’s myth (provided below👇🏽) and think of:

• A book, artwork, or personal reflection that relates to her story.
• Any modern parallels or insights you’d like to discuss.

This is a space for open dialogue, creativity, and shared exploration.

### 🫧Apollo & Artemis’ Myth in Brief

Apollo and Artemis, twin children of Zeus and Leto, were born on the island of Delos after Hera forbade Leto to give birth on solid land. Artemis arrived first and helped deliver Apollo. Apollo became god of music, prophecy, healing, and the sun, while Artemis ruled over the hunt, wilderness, and the moon. Together they symbolise harmony and balance: masculine and feminine, sun and moon.
Fiercely protective of their mother, they killed Niobe’s children for mocking Leto and slew the giant Tityos for attacking her. Their bond also led to tragedy when Apollo tricked Artemis into killing Orion. United in justice and divine power, they embody strength, loyalty, and the duality of nature.

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### 🕵🏽‍♀️Main Sources in Greek-Roman Literature

• Homer, Hymn to Apollo and Hymn to Artemis: describe their birth and divine roles.
• Homer, Iliad and Odyssey: mention their attributes and actions in passing.
• Hesiod, Theogony: genealogical details about their parentage.
• Callimachus, Hymn to Artemis: focuses on Artemis’ character and myths.
• Apollodorus, Library (Bibliotheca): episodes of Niobe and Tityos.
• Ovid, Metamorphoses: Niobe’s punishment and Orion’s death.
• Pindar, Odes : occasional references to Apollo’s sanctuaries and Artemis’ role.
• Pausanias, Description of Greece: Provides local cult traditions and myths.