Eileithyia
Ilithyia —the Latin spelling—or more usually Eileithyia (
Greek: Εἰλείθυια), was the
Cretan goddess whom
Greek mythology adapted as the goddess of childbirth and midwiving. Her name does not appear to have an
Indo-European etymology, which for R. F. Willets strengthens her link with Minoan culture. "The links between Eileithyia, an earlier Minoan goddess, and a still earlier Neolithic prototype are, relatively, firm," Willets wrote. "The explanation is as simple as it is important. The continuity of her cult depends upon the unchanging concept of her function. Eileithyia was the goddess of childbirth; and the divine helper of women in labour has an obvious origin in the human midwife".
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Ilithyia
[Greek] An ancient Greek goddess, protectress of midwives, and who assisted during birth. Later identified with Hera or Artemis. The Romans called her Juno Lucina.
Ilithyia
Ilithyia (Latin) Eileithyia (Greek) [from Greek erchymai to come, come back] She who comes to aid women who are in travail; Greek goddess of childbirth, daughter of Zeus and Hera. Essentially a lunar divinity, her generative functions are often adopted by other divinities, such as Hera, Artemis, Juno, Lucina, and Diana. She was worshiped especially at Crete and Delos, though sanctuaries and statues were dedicated to her in many places.