"Outline the role of the Goddesses Aphrodite and Artemis in
Artemis is the Goddess of hunting, virginity, and the moon and is the protector of animals. Artemis fiercely preserves her virginity and was followed by virgins, typically why Hippolytus followed her so avidly. There are references to Hippolytus hearing Artemis, as he is a virgin and attributed to having special powers because of this. Artemis has primarily has a symbolic role before the play even begins. Callimachus wrote a hymn to Artemis that tells us that King Minos pursued Artemis and she jumped into the sea, a fisherman then caught her. This is important as Phaedra was Minos's daughter and Artemis dislikes Phaedra. Perhaps this gives just cause for Artemis not to interfere with Phaedras death, only with the outcome of Hippolytus. Aphrodite is the Goddess of erotic love. Even though she is the Goddess of love she does not uphold the values of marriage as she has an affair. This may be why Hippolytus dislikes her as he keeps oaths, as is shown by his keeping his oath to the Nurse. The tragedy begins with Aphrodite and ends with Artemis. It is possible that Aphrodite spoke her prologue from the stage, as most prologues are human. Artemis appeared as a Goddess from above the action. This is diametrically opposed as to what th
Artemis is also used for her role in hating Aphrodite, she says "For the Goddess most hated by me and all who love virginity . .goaded her into a passionate desire for your son" this also rids Phaedra of any blame as it was divine intervention that brought about her lust. At least Artemis feels pity for Phaedra even if Aphrodite doesn't. Artemis also makes clear that although she loves Hippolytus over all other mortals she cannot change the will of Zeus. Euripides may be using Artemis to express his opinions of the Gods. Artemis says "We Gods have a law: none seeks to oppose the settled purpose of another; we always stand aside" this is her justification for not interfering earlier; she did not want to be put in a shameful position. Is Euripides criticising the Gods for their lack of intervention for those whom they favour? Artemis claims she too grieves for the loss of Hippolytus so perhaps Artemis really did not want to interfere, it is known how powerful the Gods can be and revenge on Artemis would have been merciless. However Artemis says she is forbidden to shed tears for Hippolytus. Euripides may also be criticising the fact that the Gods are unemotional although Artemis does say, "you die with my love" to Hippolytus. Artemis's role seems larger than just to straighten out the facts. Artemis takes revenge on Aphrodite by helping to ki
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Approximate Word count = 909
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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