The Song of Achilles

by

Madeline Miller

Artemis Character Analysis

Artemis is Apollo’s twin sister and the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and virginity. Before the Trojan War begins, she’s angry about the upcoming slaughter and maroons the Greek army on Aulis by halting the wind. She then demands that Agamemnon sacrifice a virgin priestess—preferably his daughter, Iphigenia. He does so, and Artemis returns the wind. This incident causes Achilles to distrust and dislike Agamemnon.
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Artemis Character Timeline in The Song of Achilles

The timeline below shows where the character Artemis appears in The Song of Achilles. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 18
Fate, Belief, and Control Theme Icon
...speaks to the chief priest, a man named Calchas. Calchas says that the army offended Artemis somehow, and they need to make a sacrifice to the goddess in order for the... (full context)
Honor, Pride, and Legacy Theme Icon
Gender, Power, and Agency Theme Icon
Love, Violence, and Redemption Theme Icon
...his daughter, Iphigenia, be brought to Aulis to help with the ritual—she’s a priestess of Artemis. Agamemnon then summons Achilles to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to him, a great... (full context)
Honor, Pride, and Legacy Theme Icon
Gender, Power, and Agency Theme Icon
Love, Violence, and Redemption Theme Icon
Selfhood and Responsibility Theme Icon
Agamemnon calls the entire crowd back, and explains what happened: Artemis was displeased by the upcoming slaughter in Troy and demanded they sacrifice a virgin priestess,... (full context)