Homeric Hymn 9 to Artemis

Anonymous. Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns and Homerica. Evelyn-White, Hugh G., editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: The Macmillan Co., 1914.

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This work is a short epic hymn of nine lines dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and archery. At the beginning, the poet calls upon the Muse to sing of Artemis, the sister of Apollo. The central focus of the hymn vividly depicts the goddess watering her horses in the River Meles near Smyrna, and then driving her golden chariot swiftly toward Clarus. In Clarus, Apollo of the silver bow sits and awaits the arrival of his sister, who delights in the hunt. Finally, the poet offers a respectful salutation to the goddess, concluding with a traditional promise to move on to another song after beginning with her.