Artemis is the Goddess of hunting, virginity, and the moon and is the protector of animals. Artemis fiercely preserves her virginity and was followed by virgins, typically why Hippolytus followed her so avidly. There are references to Hippolytus hearing Artemis, as he is a virgin and attributed to having special powers because of this. Artemis has primarily has a symbolic role before the play even begins. Callimachus wrote a hymn to Artemis that tells us that King Minos pursued Artemis and she jumped into the sea, a fisherman then caught her. This is important as Phaedra was Minos’s daughter and Artemis dislikes Phaedra. Perhaps this gives just cause for Artemis not to interfere with Phaedras death, only with the outcome of Hippolytus. Aphrodite is the Goddess of erotic love. Even though she is the Goddess of love she does not uphold the values of marriage as she has an affair. This may be why Hippolytus dislikes her as he keeps oaths, as is shown by his keeping his oath to the Nurse.
The tragedy begins with Aphrodite and ends with Artemis. It is possible that Aphrodite spoke her prologue from the stage, as most prologues are human. Artemis appeared as a Goddess from above the action. This is diametrically opposed as to what th
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Artemis says “We Gods have a law: none seeks to oppose the settled purpose of another; we always stand aside” this is her justification for not interfering earlier; she did not want to be put in a shameful position. Euripides may also be criticising the fact that the Gods are unemotional although Artemis does say, “you die with my love” to Hippolytus. Aphrodite uses Phaedra to get to Hippolytus despite that Phaedra has done no wrong. As she is so angry with Hippolytus it is believable that she would tell Theseus, even if it were fiction. This is an instance where the Goddess meets Euripides needs. She says “I will reveal the affair to Theseus” and so the audience are rapt. Artemis also says “men can hardly avoid error when the Gods inspire it” which is what the Athenians would have thought at the time. Aphrodite’s involvement is fully integrated into the plot; her anger is well motivated, and Hippolytus’ death is necessary or probable consequence of her anger. Is Euripides criticising the Gods for their lack of intervention for those whom they favour? Artemis claims she too grieves for the loss of Hippolytus so perhaps Artemis really did not want to interfere, it is known how powerful the Gods can be and revenge on Artemis would have been merciless.
Aphrodite says “For even the race of Gods has this trait: they enjoy being honoured by men” is Euripides suggesting that the Gods are vain and egotistical? I don’t believe that Euripides thinks this but I do believe that Aphrodite herself is vain, she has no affection from Hippolytus and will do anything to destroy him, including killing Phaedra. Euripides often misleads or allows his audience to anticipate a different development from what actually ensues. Aphrodite is content with Hippolytus favouring Artemis but she still wants respect from him and her role, as a Goddess, demands a punishment. As Aphrodite expects everyone to worship her “all who see the sun’s light, are my subjects” and Hippolytus calls her the “foulest of divinities” her revenge on him is justifiable.
Approximate Word count =
909
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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