In another of my ‘when fandoms collide’ moments – author, radio presenter, stand up and classicist Natalie Haynes has just created a thread pairing Taylor Swift songs with goddesses from the pantheon!
Hooray! And ht to @ StefArchivist who sent me this first thing, knowing I’d be in awe!
Only two left to go!
Folklore has been linked – naturally, inevitably, inexorably- to Artemis.
Emblematic of untamed girlhood, goddess of the wilderness, wild animals, chastity and childbirth, Artemis is the natural fit for Taylor Swift’s Folklore Era. They must have bumped into each other, all that time wandering the woods.
The myths and worship of Artemis are full of contradiction and variation, she’s a Mirrorball. She’ll show you every version of yourself tonight.
Artemis worship is central to the lives of young girls, some of whom would serve in her temple from the age of Seven.
Taylor is no stranger to a young female fanbase. Pack your dolls and a sweater, she tells her childhood friend. Ancient Greek girls would dedicate their dolls to Artemis when they were on the cusp of adulthood.
But don’t think for a moment that Artemis is a soft touch, just
because she’s out in the forest. If you fail to mention her in your prayers, she’ll have a ‘marvellous time ruining everything’ – there’s nothing like a Mad Woman. Just ask Oeneus about the Calydonian Boar. His tears are still ricocheting now.
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