Artio

ORIGIN:

Celtic

Artio is a bear goddess and guardian of bears. Her very name means “Bear.” Although now most associated with Bern, Switzerland, the bear city, inscriptions dedicated to Artio have also been found near Trier.

ICONOGRAPHY:

In 1832, an ancient bronze statue identified by an inscription as Artio was exhumed in Bern. It depicts a seated woman offering fruit to an extremely large bear.

SEE ALSO:

Artemis; Callisto

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.