Orion and Scorpius: The Legend of the Hunter and the Scorpion

Short answer: In Greek myth, the hunter Orion boasted he could kill every animal on Earth. A giant scorpion was sent to stop him. Both were put in the sky, on opposite sides, so Orion sets in the west as Scorpius rises in the east. You'll never see both high at the same time.

What is the legend of Orion and the scorpion?

There are a few versions. In the best-known one, Orion was a great hunter who grew too proud. He boasted that no animal could beat him. The Earth goddess Gaia sent a scorpion, and its sting killed him. Some tellings say Artemis sent it. Either way, both ended up as constellations: Orion the hunter, and Scorpius the scorpion.

Why are they never in the sky together?

The story fits the real sky. Orion and Scorpius sit on roughly opposite sides of the sky. As Scorpius rises, Orion is setting. It's as if the hunter is still running away. That's a true thing you can check with any star app.

What is Antares?

Antares is the red star at the scorpion's heart. Its name is often read as "rival of Mars", because of its colour. It's a red supergiant, far bigger than our Sun.

Can I name a star in Orion or Scorpius?

Yes. You can choose the constellation when you order, as long as it rises from the country you give us. Orion sits on the celestial equator, so it works almost anywhere on Earth. That makes it a nice pick for people who live far apart. See our long-distance star gift idea.

Here's the honest bit: the name is a symbolic gift in our register, not an official star name. More here.

Message ideas from the myth

• "Always running to you."
• "My hunter."
• "Opposite sides, same sky."

Orion is easy to find in winter, which makes it a lovely spot for a Christmas star gift. See how naming a star works and read the story of the Great Bear.

Questions people ask

Is Orion visible from everywhere?

Almost. It sits on the celestial equator, so it's seen from both hemispheres at the right time of year.

Which is brighter, Rigel or Betelgeuse?

Usually Rigel. Betelgeuse varies in brightness.

More star stories: constellation facts for gift messages. Ready to pick one? Start with the Signature Set.