The myth of the Great Bear (Ursa Major) and the Little Bear (Ursa Minor) originates in ancient Greek mythology and has been central to the cosmologies of numerous cultures throughout history. These two constellations, among the most recognizable in the northern hemisphere, are named for their resemblance to bears and are closely associated with the myth of Callisto and Arcas, a tale of transformation, tragedy, and celestial immortality.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor

Greek Mythology

In the best-known version of the myth, Callisto was a nymph in the retinue of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Sworn to chastity, Callisto was seduced by Zeus and bore a son, Arcas. When Hera, the wife of Zeus, discovered the affair, she transformed Callisto into a bear in a fit of jealousy. Years later, Arcas—unaware of his mother’s fate—encountered the bear while hunting and nearly killed her.

To prevent the tragedy, Zeus intervened and placed both Callisto and Arcas in the sky, transforming them into the constellations Ursa Major (the Great Bear) and Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). According to some versions, Hera, still vengeful, asked the sea god Oceanus never to let the bears bathe in his waters, which is why these constellations never dip below the horizon and are circumpolar, visible throughout the year in many parts of the northern hemisphere.

Astronomical Significance

Ursa Major contains the famous asterism known as the Big Dipper, or the Plough in British tradition, which has been used for millennia as a navigational aid. Its “pointer stars” lead directly to Polaris, the North Star, which sits at the end of Ursa Minor’s tail.

Polaris has long been vital for navigation due to its fixed position near the north celestial pole. For this reason, Ursa Minor was historically called the “Little Guide” (Cynosura in Greek), and its myth is closely linked with guidance, direction, and constancy.

Cultural Variants

While the Greek myth remains the most widely cited in Western traditions, other cultures have their own interpretations. In Native American lore, the stars of Ursa Major are often seen as hunters chasing a bear. In Hindu tradition, Ursa Major is identified with the Saptarishi, the seven great sages. Across Arctic and Northern Eurasian cultures, these constellations are also often interpreted as bears, reflecting a shared reverence for the animal and its celestial symbolism.

Legacy and Symbolism

The myth of the Great and Little Bear endures as a symbol of transformation, maternal devotion, and divine intervention. It is also a reminder of how ancient peoples sought meaning in the stars, projecting their stories, fears, and hopes onto the night sky. Today, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor continue to serve as cultural touchstones, linking ancient myths to the scientific study of the cosmos.