Diana (mythology)

Diana
Goddess of the hunt, wild animals, fertility, and the Moon[1]
Member of the Dii Consentes
Diana as Huntress. Marble by Bernardino Cametti, 1720. Pedestal by Pascal Latour, 1754. Bode Museum, Berlin.
SymbolBow and quiver, deer, hunting dogs, crescent moon
TemplesSanctuary at Lake Nemi, Temple of Diana (Rome)
FestivalsNemoralia
Genealogy
ParentsJupiter and Latona
Siblings
  • Early Roman: N/A
  • Hellenistic: Apollo
ConsortLucifer according to Stregheria
Children
  • Early Roman: N/A
  • Hellenistic: N/A
Equivalents
EtruscanArtume
GreekArtemis, Hecate
EgyptianBastet
Statue of Diana-Artemis, fresco from Pompeii, 50–51 BCE
Religion in
ancient Rome
Marcus Aurelius sacrificing
Marcus Aurelius (head covered)
sacrificing at the Temple of Jupiter
Practices and beliefs
Priesthoods
Deities
Related topics

Diana[a] is a goddess in Roman and Hellenistic religion, primarily considered a patroness of the countryside and nature, hunters, wildlife, childbirth, crossroads, the night, and the Moon. She is equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, and absorbed much of Artemis' mythology early in Roman history, including a birth on the island of Delos to parents Jupiter and Latona, and a twin brother, Apollo,[2] though she had an independent origin in Italy.

Diana is considered a virgin goddess and protector of childbirth. Historically, Diana made up a triad with two other Roman deities: Egeria the water nymph, her servant and assistant midwife; and Virbius, the woodland god.[3]

Diana is revered in modern neopagan religions including Roman neopaganism, Stregheria, and Wicca. In the ancient, medieval, and modern periods, Diana has been considered a triple deity, merged with a goddess of the moon (Luna/Selene) and the underworld (usually Hecate).[4][5]

  1. ^ "Diana – Roman Religion". Encyclopædia Britannica.com. Retrieved 21 Nov 2018.
  2. ^ Larousse Desk Reference Encyclopedia, The Book People, Haydock, 1995, p. 215.
  3. ^ The Clay-footed Superheroes: Mythology Tales for the New Millennium ISBN 978-0-865-16719-3 p. 56
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference servius was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Green, C. M. C. (2007). Roman Religion and the Cult of Diana at Aricia. New York: Cambridge University Press.


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