Eileithyia, Goddess of Childbirth
Eileithyia, Goddess of Childbirth
Eileithyia, Goddess of Childbirth, was the daughter of Zeus and Hera, according to Hesiod. While she appears to have had little function in mythology, she is present in many of the other Gods' myths. Eileithyia was present at the birth of Herakles and Leto's delivery of the divine twins, Apollo and Artemis. She is sometimes referred to in the plural, as Eileithyiae, and may have been a group of Pre-Olympian goddesses.
Eileithyia's only function is as the nurse-goddess of women in childbirth. It was at her discretion that a woman endured a peaceful or painful labor. She is often identified with Artemis and Hera goddesses of women and marriage, and her attributes as goddess are often given to some of her other Olympians sisters.
There is evidence of Eileithyian cults at Amnisus (Amnissos), near Crete, from Neolithic to Roman times (about 5th century BC). In the cave of Eileithyia archaelogists found idols of women in childbirth, or praying, Neolithic tools and shells. Myth, according to Homer, says that Hera gave birth to Eileithyia in this cave. Present day excavations found evidence of preist's homes directly outside the cave. Eileithyia was also printed on the coins of the Doric-city state of Lato, the city was named after Leto, whom she had cared for during labor.
Eileithyia Links
The Hellenic Ministry of Culture's Cave of Eileithyia page has images and great historical information.
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