Ursa Major Mythology
Artemis, the moon goddess, was followed by a band of beautiful nymphs, all sworn to a vow of chastity. One of the most lovely of these was Callisto. She was espied by Zeus, a god with a particular fondness for mortal women, on one of his many visits to earth. Disguising himself as Apollo, brother of Artemis, he overcame any scruples Callisto may have had and they became lovers. Eventually, Callisto was delivered of a son, and he was named Arcas (from the Greek arktos or "bear"). Knowing that Artemis would be furious with Callisto for breaking her vow, and more especially to shield her from the wrath of his wife, Zeus changed his unfortunate lover into a bear. She was forced into a lonely exile, roaming the forests and hiding from human hunters. At the same time, she was unable to form any close friendships with the animals because she still possessed human feelings. Many years later, her now fully-grown son Arcas was hunting in the woods when he saw a great bear which was, in fact, his own mother. As he lifted his bow and arrow to shoot her, Zeus quickly intervened, and changed Arcas into a little bear so that he immediately recognised his mother. The story has a happy ending as, lonely no more, Callisto and her son were transported to the heavens, thereafter to be known as the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.