Artemis/Diana

Diana Price, a.k.a. Wonder Woman, comes from Themyscira. Now, in proper Greek transliteration, that should probably be Themyskira (Θεμύσκιρα), but for the moment, I'm concentrating on something else: if Wonder Woman comes from a place influenced by (or arguably originating) Greek culture, why is she Diana and not Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt? I'm sure AI has the answer... or it'll make one up. In fact, when I put the above question to Chat GPT, I get:

That's an interesting observation! Diana, Wonder Woman's name in her alter-ego and mythology, indeed ties to the Roman goddess Diana, who corresponds to the Greek goddess Artemis. This naming choice reflects both cultural adaptation and the creative decisions made during Wonder Woman's development.

Here are a few reasons why Diana might have been chosen over Artemis:

Cultural Accessibility: When Wonder Woman was created in the early 1940s by William Moulton Marston, Western audiences were generally more familiar with Roman mythology than Greek. Names like Diana, associated with the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, would have been more recognizable to readers than Artemis.

A Blend of Myths: Wonder Woman's mythology is a fusion of various inspirations. While heavily influenced by Greek mythology, it doesn't strictly adhere to it. The Amazons of Themyscira in DC Comics are somewhat inspired by the Greek Amazons, but the stories weave together elements from multiple mythological and cultural sources. Diana, as a name, could symbolize this syncretic approach.

The Symbolism of Diana: In Roman mythology, Diana is not only the goddess of the hunt but also a protector of women and a symbol of independence, purity, and strength—all qualities that align well with Wonder Woman's character.

Artemis as a Separate Character: In DC Comics, Artemis is later introduced as a distinct Amazon warrior and sometimes rival to Wonder Woman. This distinction helps preserve the individuality of both characters, allowing "Diana" to have a unique identity while still being connected to mythological traditions.

Modern Mythmaking: The creators of Wonder Woman may have opted for "Diana" to craft a new kind of mythology for modern audiences. Naming her after the Roman goddess allowed for a familiar yet distinct identity, enabling the character to serve as a bridge between ancient myth and contemporary storytelling.

In summary, while "Artemis" might have been a more direct Greek counterpart, "Diana" offered broader cultural resonance and fit well with the themes and goals of Wonder Woman's creation. The name reflects the blend of influences that shaped her character into a modern mythological figure.

Keeping in mind Charles's warning that ChatGPT tends never to disagree with the premise of your questions, it's entirely possible that all of the above is bullshit. Luckily, it's all couched as speculation. I risk angering Roko's Basilisk in saying that, but the risk may be worth it, and if my calculations are correct, I'll be dead before the basilisk rears its ugly head, anyway.

Then there's this bit of strangeness:

Diana, Wonder Woman's name in her alter-ego and mythology...

This feels like a misplaced modifier. If it's not, then ChatGPT is implying that Wonder Woman exists in both the DC Comics universe and in real-world mythology. Curious.