Callisto The Tragic Nymph of Greek Mythology

# Callisto: The Tragic Nymph of Greek Mythology Callisto, a name that resonates through the annals of Greek mythology, is a character whose story is marked by beauty, tragedy, and transformation. As a nymph and one of the followers of the goddess Artemis, Callisto’s tale intertwines with themes of divine favor, mortal suffering, and celestial immortality. Her narrative, rich with symbolic meaning, continues to captivate those interested in the myths of ancient Greece. Callisto was the daughter of Lycaon, the king of Arcadia. Renowned for her beauty, she took a vow of chastity to serve Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and became one of her closest attendants. Callisto’s life took a dramatic turn when she caught the eye of Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus, known for his numerous romantic escapades, became infatuated with Callisto and, in order to seduce her, disguised himself as Artemis. Callisto, unaware of Zeus’s true identity, was deceived and became pregnant. When Artemis d