Callisto
Callisto was a companion of Artemis who was seduced by Zeus and transformed into a bear — placed in the sky as Ursa Major, the Great Bear constellation.
The Myth of Callisto
Callisto, a nymph of Artemis in Arcadia, swore an oath of chastity but was seduced by Zeus in disguise. When Artemis discovered Callisto's pregnancy, she banished her from the hunt. Hera, consumed by jealousy, transformed Callisto into a bear. Years later her son Arcas, raised by Maia, nearly killed her while hunting. Zeus intervened and placed both among the stars — Callisto as Ursa Major, Arcas as Ursa Minor. Hera, still vengeful, asked Oceanus and Tethys to forbid the constellations from ever setting below the horizon. The myth explained why the Great Bear circles endlessly, visible from Athens to Troy, never touching the sea.
Parents
Lycaon
Symbols
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
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