The best-known goddesses of the hunt are Artemis in Greek mythology and Diana in Roman mythology. Many other cultures also have a goddess who guards hunters or presides over wild animals, from Mielikki in Finland to Dali in Georgia and Pinga among the Inuit.
This list covers the main goddesses of the hunt by mythology, with each goddess’s role as given in the standard reference list of hunting deities.
Greek Mythology
- Artemis, goddess of the hunt, associated with the moon.
- Britomartis, Cretian goddess of hunting and trapping.
Roman Mythology
- Diana, goddess of the hunt, wild animals and the wilderness. She is the counterpart of Artemis and the twin sister of Apollo, as well as the daughter of Leto and Jupiter.
Finnish Mythology
- Mielikki, goddess of forests and the hunt.
Georgian Mythology
- Dali, goddess of the hunt, associated with horned beasts of the mountain.
Norse Mythology
- Skaði, a jötunn and goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter and mountains.
Slavic Mythology
- Devana, goddess of the hunt and the Slavic equivalent of the Roman goddess Diana.
Thracian Mythology
- Bendis, goddess of the hunt and the moon, whom the Greeks associated with Artemis.
Hindu Mythology
- Banka-Mundi, goddess of the hunt and fertility.
Inuit Mythology
- Pinga, goddess of the hunt, fertility and medicine.
- Nujalik, goddess of hunting on land.
- Sedna, goddess of the sea, marine animals and sea hunting.
- Nerrivik, the sea mother and patron of fishermen and hunters.
- Arnakuagsak, goddess responsible for ensuring the hunters were able to catch enough food and that the people remained healthy and strong.
Egyptian Mythology
- Bastet, a cat goddess and natural hunter of reptiles and rodents. The Greeks often associated her with Artemis.
Hunting Gods Who Appear Beside Them
Many hunting goddesses share their mythologies with male hunting gods. In Norse mythology, Ullr is the god of hunting, mountains, archery and skiing. In Roman mythology, Faunus was a god of the wild and shepherds as well as a hunting god, and Aristaeus was a minor god of bee-keeping, cheese-making, herding, olive-growing and hunting. In Finnish mythology, Nyyrikki is the god of the hunt and Tapio is an East Finnish forest spirit to whom men prayed before a hunt. In Yoruba mythology, Oshosi is the orisha known as the “hunter of a single arrow” and the deity of the forests. In Hindu mythology, Rudra is a Rigvedic god associated with wind or storm, and the hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Greek goddess of the hunt? Artemis, who is associated with the moon.
Who is the Roman goddess of the hunt? Diana, the counterpart of Artemis.
Who is the Finnish goddess of the hunt? Mielikki, goddess of forests and the hunt.
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