What was the goddess Artemis' childhood like?

Answer 1

Artemis' mother was the female Titan Leto. Her father was Zeus. When Hera, Zeus' queen, found out that Leto was pregnant with twins fathered by Zeus, she flew into a jealous fit. She forbade all lands and waters to give Leto rest. She also sent the dragon Python to chase Leto. Finally, Leto came to the island of Delos. Since it was floating, it was neither land nor sea. There Leto gave birth to Artemis and her twin brother Apollo. Artemis was born first and became her mother's midwife during the birth of Apollo.

When Artemis was three, Zeus called her up to Olympus and asked the young goddess what she wanted for her birthday. Artemis wished for these things:

1. To be a young virgin forever.

2. A silver bow and arrows forged by the Cyclops.

3. To be dressed in a short tunic so her legs would be free to run.

4. All the mountains and wild places to be her domain.

5. A fleet of 60 nymphs to be her hunting companions.

6. A pack of hounds to hunt with.

Some say she also asked for an old city.

Zeus gave her all that she asked.

Answer 2

No, however she was born able to walk and immediately helped her mother with the birth of her twin brother Apollo.

Athena was the goddess that was born fully grown. She came out of her father, Zeus' head fully grown and clothed.

Answer 3

Diana grew quickly once born to assist her mother Leto with the birth of her brother Apollo.