The Ceryneian Hind Was Sacred To Artemis

In Greek mythology, Artemis was usually escorted by the enormous Ceryneian Hind. Although it was a female, it possessed shining, golden antlers that resembled those of a male, as well as bronze or brass hooves. Due to their golden antlers, the Ceryneian Hind is also frequently called the Golden Hind. The beast, according to many Greek myths, could outrun a flying arrow.

The Golden Hind served as a representation of Artemis' chastity and was revered as sacrosanct. According to folklore, Artemis fell in love with the animal and revered its horns after witnessing a deer the size of a bull with gleaming antlers. Five Golden Hinds were said to have been captured by her. The fifth one accompanied her everywhere, and she hitched the other four to her chariot. The Ceryneian Hind is well-known for its connection to Artemis as well as the fact that Hercules' capture of it was one of his twelve labors. A deer frequently accompanied the goddess Diana, the Roman equivalent of Artemis, in works of ancient Roman art.