Aspects of the Moon-Goddess in Ancient Greek Tradition

Abstract

This thesis discusses ancient Greek ideas about the moon, especially the ways in which the moon was seen as a goddess. Part 1 explores the role of the moon-goddess in Greek mythology and the manifestation of her cult. This includes her spheres of influence; fertility, health (particularly women's), and magic. The appearence of the goddess, her sacred animals, and her role as a hunter are also addressed. In Part 2 the myths surrounding renowned Moon-goddesses are explored, as well as those of some of the lesser known Moon deities. The ancient Greeks recognised Selene as the Moon-goddess, but other goddesses also had lunar characteristics. Artemis and Hekate were the most well known of these, but the Titan Phoibe, the birth-goddess Eileithyia, and the Cretan figures Britomartis and Dictynna also had developed lunar associations. Part 3 assesses the lunar characteristics of several mythical mortal figures. This section explores the myths of Europa, Pasiphae, Io, Antiope, Niobe and Leto, and discusses their possible links with the figure of the moon-goddess. The conclusion reached is that there was a moon cult in ancient Greece that lay on the fringes of popular belief. Many of the concepts linked with Moon-goddesses appear to have developed from earlier cultures, particularly those of Minoan Crete and the East. There were many figures, both deities and heroines, that were regarded as having lunar qualities. Some, however, may be seen as having rather tenuous links with the moon, but there were also those with strong connections and well developed cults.