Artemis Elaphibolos, c. 500-480 B.C

Artemis seated, accompanied by a deer. Even though in literary sources the goddess is described as Elaphibolos, and Elaphoktonos (shooter and killer of deers), in the sancuary of Brauron the deer is presented as a sacred animal or the goddess’s favourite companion. A deer’s features such as its agility and swiftness are tied to the features of the goddess of hunting. Deer depictions of offerings made to the goddess are already evident from the Geometric, and Early Archaic period.