In Greek mythology, Echemeia[a] (Ancient Greek: Ἐχέμεια, romanized: Ekhemeia) is a minor character who angered the goddess Artemis.
Her only tale survives in the works of a Roman mythographer named Hyginus. According to him, Echemeia was a Coan nymph who ceased to honour Artemis, so the goddess shot her in punishment. The queen of the dead Persephone, who witnessed that, snatched Echemeia alive and brought her to the Underworld. Echemeia's husband Merops mourned her loss so much Hera took pity in him and changed him into an eagle, and then transferred him to the stars as the constellation Aquila.[1][2] There is no more to this story, but it is possible that Echemeia had originally been part of the retinue of Artemis and broke her vows when her married Merops, hence her punishment; her story bears resemblance to those of Taygete and Maera, wife of Tegeates.[3]
