In ancient astronomy, who was orion? Why did he have two dogs?
Can anyone tell me what orion did before he became a part of the constellation (a god?), what his job was, why he had two dogs, and what happened to cause him to be a part of the constellation.
Why did he have stars on his belt? What roles did majis canis play in egyptian, roman, indian mythology? What events/purpose did this star cause or play on earth, i.e. it was the brightest star, dog days of summer or flooding of the Nile.
I am absolutely clueless about mythology and astronomy. To me a star is a star. They all look the same. Thanks
2006-09-14 01:57:38 · 7 answers · asked by animalcrackers31 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Long story short. He was a great hunter with the bow and arrow and the lover of Artemis, Goddess of the hunt and Apollo's sister. Apollo didn't want her to be with him so when Orion was swimming Apollo challenged Artemis to shooting competition a used Orion's bobbing head as the target. Artemis killed Orion and as a tribute she put him in the stars for all to see. She also put his faith full dog with him.
Many stories and many books to choose from at the library.
2006-09-14 02:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by vmmhg 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Greek mythology, Orion left Eos to hunt with Artemis. Apollo, Artemis's brother, highly disapproved of such a relationship because of Orion's treatment with Eos. Orion was already offending the Immortals, but he finally crossed the line when he claimed to be able to kill all beast and animal of the Earth. In response, Mother Earth sent a gigantic scorpion to kill him. Orion fought well, but soon realized it was futile. To escape, he tried swimming through the sea in hopes of reaching the Delos Island, where Eos would protect him. Artemis, however, was already there. Apollo joined her and bet she could not hit the small bobbing shape in the sea with her arrow, which Apollo knew was actually Orion. Artemis accepted the challenge, and shot Orion accurately, killing him quickly.
When she learned of the truth, however, she snatched him from the depths of the sea and made him immortal. Artemis then placed him in the vault of the heavens, where he could continue to follow his favorite pursuits among the stars. The constellation Sirius, a dog, hunts with him, as Scorpion crawls far behind, vainly snipping at the hunter's heels.
2006-09-14 02:19:39 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to greek mythology Orion died being stung by a scorpion. He is set such in the sky that he sets in the west while his slayer, the Scorpius raises in the east. Followed by his two dogs he is now fighting the bull Taurus. I have no idea what the source of this mythical character is and why he has 2 dogs.
2016-03-27 01:00:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in Greek mythology, a giant and very handsome hunter who was identified as early as Homer with the constellation known by his name.
The story of Orion has many different versions. He is considered to be Boeotian by birth, born (according to a late legend) of the earth (from a buried bull hide on which three gods had urinated). Some legends have him as the son of Poseidon. He is associated with the island of Chios, from which he is said to have driven the wild beasts. There he fell in love with Merope, daughter of the king of Chios. The king, who disapproved of Orion and continually deferred the nuptials, eventually had Orion blinded.
His vision restored by the rays of the rising sun, Orion is said to have gone to Crete to live with Artemis as a hunter. Accounts of his death vary widely: some legends have him a victim of Artemis' jealousy, others of Apollo's jealousy over Artemis' love of Orion; still other legends have him killed by a monstrous scorpion. After his death he was placed among the stars, and he can be identified (somewhat fancifully) by his club, lion's skin, girdle (or belt), and sword.
2006-09-14 06:02:41 · answer #4 · answered by Britannica Knowledge 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you got some good answers to your question, and I have nothing to add, except, take a look at mythology and astronomy, fascinating stuff. It really makes it a lot more fun to be able to look at the skies, see a constellation and know some of the stories behind them. My kiddos love that.
It's interesting, check it out!
2006-09-14 03:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by Terri 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_(mythology)
2006-09-14 01:59:27 · answer #6 · answered by dprut 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.comfychair.org/~cmbell/myth/orion.html
2006-09-14 02:00:51 · answer #7 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋