The virgin goddess Artemis ruled the hunt, preferring the quiet wilderness to society. As an immortal, she lived a life mortal Greek women never couldâone that kept her away from men and marriage. Men (and women) who crossed the boundaries that protected her virginity were punished, often with their lives. But Artemisâs boundaries also protected Greek women during childhood and childbirth. As a virgin warrior, women prayed to her to keep them safe when a husband could not.