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Citation Information
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Manser, Martin H. "Actaeon." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 17 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOA00027>.
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Actaeon

Pronunciation pronunciation key
akteeăn

Definition 
Archetype of a hunter. According to Greek mythology Actaeon was a hunter who accidentally caught sight of the goddess Artemis bathing and as punishment was transformed by her into a stag. He was then torn apart by his own hounds. A variant of the legend explains that Actaeon was put to death as punishment for boasting that he was more skilled at hunting than Artemis. Because Actaeon was turned into a stag and cuckolds according to ancient tradition had horns, the name Actaeon may also be applied to a man whose wife is unfaithful. "In a minute, a gentleman-farmer, panting with Actaeonic excitement, rode up to the two pedestrians, and Grace being a few steps in advance he asked her if she had seen the fox" (Thomas Hardy, The Woodlanders, 1887).

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