In the classical period of Greek mythology, Artemis was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity and protector of young girls. The deer and the cypress were sacred to her.

Apollo and Artemis. Tondo of an Attic red-figure cup by Brygos, potter, and the Briseis Painter, ca. 470 BC.