A Discovery of Witches

The goddess Diana plays a significant role in Diana Bishop’s life. A symbol of strength and motherhood, the Roman Diana was a goddess of contrasts. She was associated with the moon, the woods, hunting, wild animals, and chastity. However, she was also a fertility deity known for protecting mothers, children, and members of the lower class. Since “names are important” (312), Ysabeau says that Rebecca named Diana thoughtfully: “there are no other names for you. It is who you are” (313). Diana Bishop embodies the goddess down to both having twin brothers.

At different times, Diana embodies two of the three aspects of the threefold goddess: the maiden and the mother. The maiden huntress first appears as Diana’s magic emerges and her relationship with Matthew deepens, Diana’s connection to the goddess grows. She dreams of being the goddess, wearing her traditional tunic and sandals, and carrying a quiver of arrows. The goddess inspires Diana’s strength and magic. Pursued in her dream, Diana is unafraid, knowing her magic will save her.

Matthew also feels an unsettling connection between Diana and the goddess. A hunting print in Diana’s rooms calls to his mind lines from the poet Giordano Bruno: “Huntress of myself, beloved Diana” (208).