Diana the huntress at the Louvre, Paris, France

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In ancient Roman mythology, Diana was revered as a heavenly goddess, associated with hunting, the moon, and childbirth, possessing the power to communicate and control wild animals. Her connection to woodland and wildlife was unparalleled, and she was often depicted as a fierce protector of the natural world. Diana's origins in Italy predated her Greek counterpart, Artemis, although both goddesses shared similar characteristics and were often equated. As a prominent figure in Roman Neopaganism and Stregheria, Diana remains an important deity to this day, with Dianic Wicca, a feminist form of the practice, named in her honor. Known for her role as the virgin goddess of childbirth, Diana was revered by women for her ability to nurture new life. Alongside Minerva and Vesta, she formed a trio of maiden goddesses who swore never to marry, their devotion to chastity unwavering. Oak groves held special significance for Diana, and according to myth, she was born on the island of Delos alongside her twin brother Apollo, the offspring of Jupiter and Latona. As part of a powerful triad, Diana was joined by Egeria, the water nymph who served as her loyal assistant and midwife, and Virbius, the woodland god who shared her domain.