Callisto
In the charming followers of Artemis there was a beautifulfairy maiden called Callis to. —
Zeus loved her passionately and often sought her company. —
Before the year was out she bore him a son,Arcas by name. —
He later became the ancestor of the Archadians. —
Zeus’ frequent absences from Mt Olympus caused Hera’s suspicions . —
In time the vengeful queen discovered the truth and drew up an effective plan of paying back. —
One day Callisto suddenly found herself changed into a bear,with monstrous jaws and bloodshot eyes . —
Still she remained human in heart.She immediately left her son and went into hidingin the forest.
Years passed.Little Arcas had grown into a young man. —
Hewas hunting merrily in the woods one day when a large grey bearsuddenly appeared before him. —
Both were amazed,he terrified at the sight of the frightening bear. —
The bear recognized that the young hunter was her own son. —
The young hunter aimed his spear at the slowly approaching bear and was about to pounceupon it. —
Just at that moment Zeus stepped in and stopped the foolish act. —
For he had not been able to find the whereabouts of his lovely mistress until quite recently. —
He had been secretly protecting her from all danger and harm. —
Now he turned his son into a little bear,and sent both mother and son into the highheavens. —
In there they have remained to this day,known as the Great and Little Bear .