The Story of Eileithyia
Eileithyia was a daughter of Zeus and Hera and the goddess of childbirth and labor pains. Her brothers and sisters included Ares and Hebe. Homer sometimes speaks of several Eileithyiai, daughters of Hera who bring the sharp pains of labor, but most stories treat her as a single goddess.
Every birth depended on her. When Eileithyia came to a woman in labor, the child could be born, but if she stayed away or held back, the birth could not happen at all. This power made her very important to mothers, and it also made her a useful tool in the hands of her jealous mother, Hera.
When Leto was about to give birth to the children of Zeus, Hera kept Eileithyia on Olympus so that she would not hear of it. Leto suffered in labor on the island of Delos for nine days. At last the other goddesses sent Iris to bring Eileithyia, promising her a magnificent necklace, and as soon as she arrived, Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.
Hera used her again when Alcmene was about to give birth to Heracles. In the Roman poet Ovid's version, Eileithyia sat outside the room with her legs crossed and her fingers locked together, holding back the birth for days. A quick thinking servant named Galanthis announced that the baby had already been born, the startled goddess jumped up, and Heracles arrived at once, though Galanthis was turned into a weasel for her trick.
Women across Greece prayed to Eileithyia for a safe delivery. One of her oldest places of worship was a cave at Amnisos on Crete, which Homer mentions in the Odyssey, and offerings were left there for centuries. The Romans identified her with Lucina, the goddess who brings children into the light.
Famous Myths About Eileithyia
Delaying Heracles
When Alcmene was about to give birth to Heracles, Hera ordered Eileithyia to delay it. The goddess sat outside the room with her legs crossed, blocking the birth, until a servant tricked her into jumping up by announcing the baby had already been born.
Leto's Labor
Hera kept Eileithyia on Olympus so that Leto could not give birth to Apollo and Artemis. The other goddesses sent Iris to bribe Eileithyia with a magnificent necklace, and once she arrived at Delos, the twins were born.
Eileithyia's Family Tree
Parents of Eileithyia
Partners of Eileithyia
Children of Eileithyia
Frequently Asked Questions About Eileithyia
Who is Eileithyia in Greek mythology?
Eileithyia is the goddess of childbirth and labor pains, who helped women in giving birth.
Who are Eileithyia's parents?
Eileithyia is the daughter of Zeus and Hera.
How did Eileithyia delay the birth of Apollo and Artemis?
Hera kept Eileithyia away from Leto, so Leto suffered in labor for nine days. The other goddesses finally sent Iris to bring Eileithyia, and the twins were born.
What is Eileithyia's Roman name?
The Romans called Eileithyia Lucina.
