Eileithyia - Goddess of Childbirth and Midwifery. - Greek Goddess

Eileithyia - Goddess of Childbirth and Midwifery.

Eileithyia (Ilithyia) is the Goddess of Childbirth and Midwifery. She is also the goddess of the pains of birth. The cave of Eileithyia near Amnisos, the harbor of Knossos, is said to be the birthplace of Eileithyia. Her Roman counterpart in easing labor is Lucina ("of the light").

    When racked with labour pangs, and sore distressed
    the sex invoke thee, as the soul’s sure rest;
    for thou Eileithyia alone canst give relief to pain,
    which art attempts to ease, but tries in vain.
    Artemis Eileithyia, venerable power,
    who bringest relief in labour’s dreadful hour.”

    —Orphic Hymn 2, to Prothyraeia

--~Attributes and Correspondences~--

Area of Influence:
Childbirth, Midwifery

Pantheon: Greek

Abode: Caves

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Greek - Gods and Goddesses

Bibliography

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• The Witches Goddess - Janet and Stewart Farrar
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• Myths of the Norsemen From the Eddas and Sagas - H. A. Guerber
• The Theogony of Hesiod - translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White 1914
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• Wikipedia

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