The Myth of Artemis at Broulron

The bear was noted in Greek lore for both its fierceness and its eternal devotion. It had a long history as a sacred yet prized game animal in the prehistoric hunting cultures of Europe. By serving the goddess, these young bears appeased her and placed themselves under her protection. And so Artemis was worshipped as the great she bear and the girls who were required to undergo a period of ritual wildness before puberty or her images.