The bedchamber of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon, was a sight to behold. Clothes and books were strewn about haphazardly, and the smell of stale sheets permeated the air. It was a stark contrast to the pristine and orderly nature of the temple that housed it. But today, the mess was the least of Artemis’s concerns.
Apollo, the god of the sun and Artemis’s twin brother, strode into the bedchamber, calling out to his sister. “Artemis! Wake up, lazy lunatic! You have a temple to run, and a following to tend to.”
A muffled voice responded from under a mound of blankets. “Go away, Apollo. I’m not hungry.”
Apollo’s brow furrowed as he took in the state of the room. He approached the bed, pulling the blankets away from his sister’s face. Artemis’s hair was disheveled, and her eyes were half-open, heavy with sleep and sadness.
Apollo’s tone softened as he spoke. “Artemis, my dear sister, you must eat something. You cannot neglect your duties as the goddess of the hunt and the moon.”
Artemis groaned, turning her face away from Apollo. “I have no appetite, brother. Leave me be.”
Apollo was not one to give up easily, especially when it came to his beloved sister. He tried a different tactic, offering Artemis the nectar and ambrosia that the gods and goddesses of Olympus feasted on. But Artemis turned her nose up at them, her depression rendering her unable to even partake in the divine food.
Frustrated, Apollo resorted to playful insults, hoping to coax Artemis out of her funk. “Fine, be a mopey moon-child. But know that you are missing out on a glorious day of hunting. The animals are calling out for you, and you are hiding under a pile of blankets like a lazy lioness.”
Artemis chuckled at her brother’s antics, but still refused to budge. Apollo, not one to be deterred, suggested a hunt to lift Artemis’s spirits. After some hesitation, Artemis agreed, and Apollo helped her out of bed and to the bathing chamber.
As Artemis bathed, Apollo teased her about her lack of personal hygiene, calling her a “smelly sibling”. Artemis, finally motivated, washed and dressed in her hunting attire. She thanked Apollo for his persistence, and they set off on their hunt.
As they hunted, Artemis’s mood improved. She playfully insulted Apollo, calling him a “show-off sun-god” and a “boastful brother”. Apollo, in turn, praised Artemis for her skill and sharp aim.
By the time they returned to the temple, Artemis was exhausted but satisfied. She agreed to eat something, and Apollo, relieved, prepared a meal for her. They ate and talked, catching up on each other’s lives.
As they talked, Artemis revealed the reason for her depression. She had broken her vow of chastity and gotten pregnant, and was forced to get an abortion. Apollo was shocked and saddened, but he quickly comforted Artemis. He reminded her that she was still the powerful goddess of the hunt and the moon, and that she would overcome this setback.
Artemis, feeling better, thanked Apollo for his support. She playfully insulted him one last time, calling him a “meddling moon-man”, before retiring to bed.
Apollo, smiling, watched Artemis as she fell asleep. He knew she would be okay. After all, she was his strong, controlling, and direct sister, and nothing could keep her down for long.
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