Prelude ~ Artemis
A pre-Greek Goddess in her Greek Disguise

Harald Haarmann

Abstract

Recent findings in the history of religion and in historical linguistics have produced evidence for the understanding of Artemis (Dorian Artamis) as a divine figure of pre-Greek origin. In addition, a solid link between Artemis (her imagery and cult features) and Christian traditions has been established. In this “Prelude,” Harald Haarmann discusses Marco Merlini’s pioneering investigation of the legacy of the worship of the Goddess Artemis in a secluded niche of the Christian world, among the monks of Mount Athos. What makes Artemis attractive for the discussion about Old Europe and its legacy is her pre-Greek origin.

The path to establishing a linkage between Artemis and the religious world of Old Europe has been opened on the basis of new insights in the domain of Greek etymology. According to recent etymological reassessments of the name of Artemis, this Goddess can now be identified, not only as pre-Greek, but as non-Indo-European.