arktoi

Arktoi is a term used in ancient Greek literature and mythology, most notably in relation to the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. The name Arktoi translates to "bears" in Greek, and it is believed to derive from the myth of Callisto. Callisto was a nymph, a follower of Artemis, who was seduced by Zeus. When Hera, Zeus's wife, discovered this infidelity, she transformed Callisto into a bear. Later, Zeus placed Callisto and her son Arcas (who was also sometimes depicted as a bear) into the sky as constellations. Ursa Major, with its distinct dipper shape, is often referred to as the Arktoi in ancient Greek texts. The myth of the Arktoi served as a way for ancient Greeks to explain the presence of these prominent stars and to weave together narratives of divine intervention, punishment, and celestial permanence. The idea of bears in the sky was also potentially linked to the seasonal movements of the stars and their appearance and disappearance throughout the year, coinciding with the natural world.