Leto

lee TOW

Λητω

The Mother of Apollon and Artemis

Leto is the beautiful daughter of the Titans, Koios (Coeus) and Phoibe (Phoebe). From the beginning, Leto was the most kind and gentle of the Immortals on Mount Olympos (Olympus) ... not only considerate of the Immortals but to mere mortals as well. Leto was one of the many consorts of Zeus and proudly bore him two children: Apollon and Artemis.

The Birth of Apollon and Artemis

When she became pregnant, Leto traveled far and wide to find a suitable birthplace for her children. The various islands and provinces were reluctant to be the home of Leto's twins because they knew that Hera was angry at Zeus for his indiscretion and many were afraid that Hera would vent her wrath on anyone who assisted Leto.

Leto finally came to the rocky island of Delos and knew that this would be the birthplace of glorious Apollon. The goddess, Delos, made Leto swear a great oath on the river Styx that her new child would not abandon his birthplace. Delos was afraid that after his birth, Apollon would abandon her island and she knew that the wrath of Hera was not something she would willingly endure if she was to be used and then discarded. Leto swore the sacred oath and Apollon was soon to be born.

Leto was in labor for nine days and nights ... she was attended by Rheia (Rhea), Dione, Themis and Aphrodite (goddess of Love) but the goddess of Childbirth, Eileithyia (Eilithyia), was deliberately distracted by Hera so that she could not know of Leto's needs. Finally, the goddesses in attendance sent Iris to Mount Olympos to fetch Eileithyia. Iris drew Eileithyia aside so that Hera would not interfere and told her Leto's plight. Eileithyia immediately went to Leto ... Apollon was born without further delay. Hera did not prevent the birth of Apollon but she managed to make Leto suffer needlessly as punishment for her role in Zeus's infidelity.

The birth of Artemis was not as fraught with drama as that of Apollon ... she was born without incident in Ortygia. Apollon took up the bow and lyre but is often called Apollon if the Golden Sword ... Artemis became the huntress with the golden arrows and the clamorous protector of all wild and innocent things.

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Leto and Niobe

It's mentioned in The Iliad that Leto was insulted by a woman, Niobe, who had once been her friend. Niobe likened herself to Leto and bragged that she had twelve children, and Leto only had two. To avenge the insult against their mother, Apollon killed Niobe's six sons and Artemis, with silver arrows, killed her six daughters.

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Leto and Tityos

The punishment inflicted on an Immortal for disabusing Leto is worse than death ... it is eternal torture. When Odysseus was in the Underworld, he saw Tityos, the once glorious son of Gaia (Earth), being mauled by vultures because he had once tried to manhandle Leto as she traveled in Panopeus.

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Leto and Orion

The hunter Orion encountered Leto and Artemis on the island of Crete ... he had been recently punished with blindness and then healed but he learned nothing from the ordeal ... his vanity and brutality remained his trademark. While hunting with Leto and Artemis, Orion threatened to kill every wild beast on the earth. Gaia (Earth) was so annoyed at Orion that she sent a giant scorpion to sting and kill him. Leto and Artemis prayed to Zeus that Orion be put in the heavens as a major constellation to honor his manliness and there he remains today with the scorpion beside him.

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Leto is often confused with the Roman goddess, Latona.

Leto in The Iliad

(listed by book and line from four different translations)

Richmond Lattimore

• 01.009 - Zeus's son and Leto's, Apollo, who in anger at the king drove the foul pestilence along the host, and people perished
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• 01.036 - The priest Chryses prayed over and over to King Apollo, whom Leto of the lovely hair bore
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• 05.447 - After Apollo saved Aineias from sure death on the battlefield, Artemis and Leto cared for him within the great and secret chamber of the sacred keep of Pergamos
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• 14.327 - Atop Mount Ida, Zeus explains to Hera that he loves her more than glorious Leto
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• 16.849 - Patroklos tells Hector that deadly destiny and the son of Leto have killed him
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• 19.413 - Hera gave voice to the horse Xanthos and through him told Achilleus that a great god, the child of lovely haired Leto, and powerful Destiny killed Patroklos and gave glory to Hektor
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• 20.040 - Ares, Phoibos, Artemis, Aphrodite, Leto and Xanthos all fought on the side of the Trojans
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• 20.072 - On the battlefield at Troy, Leto stood opposite the strong one, generous Hermes
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• 21.497 - On the battlefield at Troy, Argeiphontes addresses Leto and says that he does not want to fight with the brides of Zeus
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• 21.502 - After Hera grabbed Artemis and knocked her bow and quiver from her shoulders, Leto picked up the curved bow and scattered arrow
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• 24.607 - Achilleus tells King Priam about the time Apollo and Artemis killed the children of Niobe because she had likened herself to their mother, Leto of the fair coloring
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• 24.608 - Niobe said the she had borne many children and Leto had borne only two

Loeb Classical Library

• 01.009 - The son of Leto and Zeus was angered at the king and roused throughout the army an evil pestilence, and men were perishing
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• 01.036 - The priest Chryses earnestly prayed to the lord Apollo, whom fair-haired Leto bore, to let the Danaans pay for his tears with the god's arrows
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• 05.447 - After Apollo saved Aeneas from sure death on the battlefield, Artemis and Leto healed him in the great sanctuary of Pergamus
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• 14.327 - Atop Mount Ida, Zeus explains to Hera that he loves her more than glorious Leto
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• 16.849 - Patroclus tells Hector that destructive Fate and the son of Leto slew him
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• 19.413 - Hera gave voice to the horse Xanthus and through him told Achilles that a mighty god, whom fair'haired Leto bore, and overpowering Fate killed Patroclus and gave glory to Hector
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• 20.040 - Ares, Phoebus, Artemis, Leto, Xanthus and Aphrodite all fought on the side of the Trojans
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• 20.072 - On the battlefield at Troy, Leto stood against the strong helper, Hermes
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• 21.497 - On the battlefield at Troy, Argeiphontes addresses Leto and says that he will not fight with the wives of Zeus
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• 21.502 - After Hera grabbed Artemis and knocked her bow and quiver from her shoulders, Leto gathered up the curved bow and scattered arrow
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• 24.607 - Achilles tells King Priam about the time Apollo and Artemis killed the children of Niobe because she had likened herself to their mother, fair-cheeked Leto

Robert Fagles

• 01.010 - The son of Zeus and Leto was incensed at the king and he swept a fatal plague through the army and men were dying
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• 01.042 - The priest Chryses prayed to the son of sleek-haired Leto, lord Apollo, to pay the Danaans back with arrows for his tears
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• 05.516 - After Apollo saved Aeneas from sure death on the battlefield, Leto and Artemis healed him in the depths of the dark forbidden chamber of Pergamus
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• 14.391 - Atop Mount Ida, Zeus explains to Hera that he loves her more than Leto ripe for glory
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• 19.489 - Hera gave voice to the horse Roan Beauty and through him told Achilles that matchless god, sleek-haired Leto's son, killed Patroclus and handed Hector glory
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• 20.047 - Ares, Phoebus, Artemis, Leto, River Xanthus and Aphrodite all fought on the side of the Trojans
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• 20.087 - On the battlefield at Troy, rearing against Leto was Hermes, the running god of luck
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• 21.568 - On the battlefield at Troy, Hermes, the guide of souls and giant-killer, reassures Leto that she has nothing to fear
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• 21.569 - Hermes tells Leto that he would never trade blows with the wives of Zeus
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• 21.573 - After Hera grabbed Artemis and knocked her bow and quiver from her shoulders, Leto gathered up the reflex bow and scattered arrow from the swirling dust
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• 24.715 - Achilles tells Priam about the time Apollon and Artemis killed the children of Niobe because she had likened herself to their mother, Leto

Robert Fitzgerald

• 01.011 - The son of Zeus by Leto, Apollo, was angered at Agamemnon and made a burning wind of plague rise in the army
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• 01.043 - The priest Chryses prayed and prayed again to the god whom silken-braided Leto bore
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• 05.512 - After Apollo saved Aineias from sure death on the battlefield, Leto and Artemis tended for him within that noble room on Troy's high citadel of Pergamos
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• 14.367 - Atop Mount Ida, Zeus explains to Hera that he loves her more than splendid Leto
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• 16.976 - Patroklos tells Hector that Leto's son and fatal destiny have killed him
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• 19.459 - Hera gave voice to the horse Xanthos and through him told Akhilleus that the magnificent god that Leto bore killed Patroklos in action and gave glory to Hektor
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• 20.045 - Ares, Phoibos, Artemis, Aphrodite, Leto, Xanthos and Aphrodite all fought on the side of the Trojans
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• 20.072 - On the battlefield at Troy, Leto was opposed by gracious Hermes, wayfinder for souls
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• 21.578 - On the battlefield, Hermes the Wayfinder addresses Leto and says that he does not want to fight the Cloudmaster's wives in fisticuffs
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• 21.583 - After Hera grabbed Artemis and knocked her bow and quiver from her shoulders, Leto picked up the bow of Artemis and scattered arrows from the flurrying dust
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• 24.729 - Akhilleus tells Priam about the time Apollo and Artemis killed the children of Niobe because she had likened herself to their mother, Leto

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Leto in The Odyssey

(listed by book and line from four different translations)

Richmond Lattimore

• 06.106 - On the island of the Phaiakians, Nausikaa danced like Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) just as when the goddess danced with the nymphs and gladdened Leto's heart
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• 11.318 - Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto with the ordered hair, killed the sons of Poseidon (lord of the Sea), Otos like a god, and far-famed Ephialtes
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• 11.580 - While at the entrance to the Underworld, Odysseus saw Tityos being punished for manhandling of Leto, consort of Zeus

Loeb Classical Library

• 06.106 - On the island of the Phaeacians, white-armed Nausicaa danced like Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) just as when the goddess danced with the wood nymphs and Leto was glad at heart
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• 11.318 - Apollo, son of Zeus and lovely haired Leto, killed the sons of Poseidon (lord of the Sea), godlike Otus and far-famed Ephialtes
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• 11.580 - While at the entrance to the Underworld, Odysseus saw Tityos being punished for raping of Leto, the honored consort of Zeus

Robert Fagles

• 06.118 - On the island of the Phaeacians, Nausicaa danced like Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) just as when the goddess danced with the nymphs and exulted Leto's heart
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• 11.361 - Apollo, son of Zeus and sleek-haired Leto, killed the sons of Poseidon (lord of the Sea), Otus staunch as a god and far-famed Ephialtes
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• 11.667 - While at the entrance to the Underworld, Odysseus saw Tityus who was being punished because he had once dragged off the famous consort of Zeus, Leto

Robert Fitzgerald

• 06.114 - On the island of the Phaiakians, Nausikaa danceed like Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) just as when the goddess danced with the nymphs and delighted Leto's heart
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• 11.369 - Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto of the smooth braid, killed the sons of Poseidon (lord of the Sea), world-renowned Otos and Ephialtes
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• 11.693 - While at the entrance to the Underworld, Odysseus saw Tityos who was being punished because he had once committed rape on Zeus's mistress, Leto

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Other Text References

Theogony

• line 18 - The poet Hesiod asks the Muses to bless his song; he sings of the immortal gods and goddesses, including Leto
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• line 406 - Koios (Coeus) embraced Phoebe and dark-gowned Leto was born, always mild, kind to men and the Immortals, the gentlest of all the Olympians
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• line 918 - Leto was joined in love with Zeus and bare Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) and Apollon, children more lovely than all the sons of heaven

Works and Days

• line 771 - Hesiod tells his brother Perses that certain days are holy including the seventh day of the month which was when Leto bore Apollon

The Astronomy

• fragment 4, line 18 - The hunter Orion went to the island of Crete where he spent his time hunting in the company of Leto and Artemis (goddess of the Hunt)
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• fragment 4, line 24 - When Orion became too boastful, Gaia (Earth) sent a large scorpion to killed him; Leto and Artemis (goddess of the Hunt) prayed to Zeus and he placed Orion and the scorpion in the heavens as stars

Catalogues of Women and Eoiae

(Loeb Classical Library vol. 57, Hesiod)

• fragment 63, line 14 - Arsinoe was joined in love with the son of Zeus and Leto, i.e. Apollon, and bare blameless and strong Asklepios (Asclepius)
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• fragment 90 - Zeus struck the son of Leto (assumed to mean Asklepios (Asclepius)) with a thunderbolt and killed him, arousing the anger of Phoibos (Phoebus), i.e. Apollon
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• fragment 91 - Hesiod states that he (Apollon) would have been cast into Tartaros (Tartarus) if Leto had not interceded; instead he became the bondman of a mortal

The Shield of Herakles

• line 202 - Among the animated scenes on the Shield of Herakles (Heracles) was the depiction of Leto playing sweetly on a golden lyre as Zeus watched and the Muses sang
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• line 479 - Apollon, Leto's son, commanded the river Anauros (Anaurus) to blot out the grave of Kyknos (Cycnus)

Hymn to Delian Apollon III

• line 5 - But Leto alone stays by the side of Zeus who delights in thunder; and then she unstrings his [Apollon's] bow, and closes his quiver, and takes his archery from his strong shoulders in her hands and hangs them on a golden peg against a pillar of his father's house.
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• line 12 - Then she leads him to a seat and makes him sit; and the Father [Zeus] gives him [Apollon] nectar in a golden cup welcoming his dear son, while the other gods make him sit down there, and queenly Leto rejoices because she bare a mighty son and an archer.
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• line 14 - Rejoice, blessed Leto, for you bare glorious children, the lord Apollon and Artemis who delights in arrows; her in Ortygia, and him in rocky Delos ...
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• line 25 - The poet asks, "Shall I sing how at the first Leto bare you [Apollon] to be the joy of men, as she rested against Mount Kynthos (Cynthus) in that rocky isle, in sea-girt Delos ..."
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• line 45 - ... so far roamed Leto in travail with the god who shoots afar [Apollon], to see if any land would be willing to make a dwelling for her son.
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• line 49 - But they [the places where Leto traveled] greatly trembled and feared, and none, not even the richest of them, dared receive Phoibos (Phoebus) [Apollon], until queenly Leto set foot on Delos ...
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• line 62 - Delos: "Leto, most glorious daughter of great Koios (Coeus), joyfully would I receive your child the far-shooting lord [Apollon] ..."
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• line 66 - Delos: "... I am ill-spoken of among men, whereas thus I should become very greatly honored. But this saying I fear, and I will not hide it from you, Leto."
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• line 83 - Leto: "Now hear this, Gaia (Earth) and wide Ouranos (Heaven) above, and dropping water of Styx (this is the strongest and most awful oath for the blessed gods), surely Phoibos (Phoebus) [Apollon] shall have here [on Delos] his fragrant altar and precinct, and you he shall honor above all."
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• line 91 - Now when Leto had sworn and ended her oath, Delos was very glad at the birth of the far-shooting lord [Apollon]. But Leto was racked nine days and nine nights with pangs beyond wont.
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• line 101 - Only Eileithyia (Eilithyia), goddess of sore travail, had not heard of Leto's trouble, for she sat on the top of Olympos (Olympus) beneath golden clouds by white-armed Hera's contriving, who kept her close through envy, because Leto with the lovely tresses was soon to bear a son faultless and strong [Apollon].
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• line 125 - Now Leto did not give Apollon, bearer of the golden blade, her breast; but Themis duly poured nectar and ambrosia with her divine hands; and Leto was glad because she had borne a strong son [Apollon] and an archer.
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• line 136 - Then with gold all Delos was laden, beholding the child of Zeus and Leto [Apollon], for joy because the god chose her above the islands and shore to make his dwelling in her; and she loved him yet more in her heart, and blossomed as does a mountain-top with woodland flowers.
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• line 159 - And there is this great wonder besides—and its renown shall never perish—the girls of Delos, hand-maidens of the Far-shooter; for when they have praised Apollon first, and also Leto and Artemis who delights in arrows, they sing a strain-telling of men and women of past days, and charm the tribes of men.
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• line 178 - And I will never cease to praise far-shooting Apollon, god of the silver bow, whom rich-haired Leto bare.

Hymn to Pythian Apollon III

• line 182 - Leto's all-glorious son [Apollon] goes to rocky Pytho, playing upon his hollow lyre, clad in divine, perfumed garments; and at the touch of the golden key his lyre sings sweet.
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• line 205 - And they, even gold-tressed Leto and wise Zeus, rejoice in their great hearts as they watch their dear son [Apollon] playing among the undying gods.
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• line 545 - The poet closes the hymn by bidding farewell to the son of Zeus and Leto [Apollon]

Hymn to Hermes IV

• line 158 - Maia scolds her son Hermes: "And now I surely believe the son of Leto [Apollon] will soon have you forth out of doors with unbreakable cords about your ribs, or you will live a rogue's life in the glens robbing by whiles."
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• line 176 - Hermes: "And if Leto's most glorious son [Apollon] shall seek me out, I think another and a greater loss will befall him."
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• line 189 - The Son of Leto [Apollon]: "Old man, weeder of grassy Onchestos (Onchestus), I am come here from Pieria seeking cattle, cows all of them, all with curving horns, from my herd."
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• line 243 - But the Son of Leto [Apollon] was aware and failed not to perceive the beautiful mountain-nymph [Maia] and her dear son [Hermes], albeit a little child and swathed so craftily.
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• line 253 - Then, after the Son of Leto [Apollon] had searched out the recesses of the great house [Maia's cave], he spoke to glorious Hermes: "Child, lying in the cradle, make haste and tell me of my cattle, or we two will soon fall out angrily."
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• line 261 - Hermes: "Son of Leto [Apollon], what harsh words are these you have spoken? And is it cattle of the field you are come here to seek? I have not seen them; I have not heard of them: no one has told me of them."
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• line 314 - So Hermes the shepherd and Leto's glorious son [Apollon] kept stubbornly disputing each article of their quarrel ...
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• line 321 - But when, though he [Hermes] had many wiles, he found the other [Apollon] had as many shifts, he began to walk across the sand, himself in front, while the Son of Zeus and Leto came behind.
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• line 403 - Now while Hermes went to the cave in the rock and began to drive out the strong cattle, the son of Leto [Apollon], looking aside, saw the cowhides on the sheer rock.
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• line 416 - ... Very easily he softened the son of all-glorious Leto [Apollon] as he would, stern though the Far-shooter was.
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• line 500 - The son of Maia [Hermes] received it [the whip Apollon gave him] joyfully, while the glorious son of Leto, the lord far-working Apollon, took the lyre upon his left arm and tried each string with the key.
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• line 508 - And Hermes loved the son of Leto [Apollon] continually, even as he does now, when he had given the lyre as token to the Far-shooter, who played it skillfully, holding it upon his arm.
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• line 513 - Then the son of Leto [Apollon] said to Hermes: "Son of Maia, guide and cunning one, I fear you may steal from me the lyre and my curved bow together; for you have an office from Zeus, to establish deeds of barter amongst men throughout the fruitful earth. Now if you would only swear me the great oath of the gods, either by nodding your head, or by the potent water of Styx, you would do all that can please and ease my heart."
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• line 524 - ... Apollon, son of Leto, swore to be fellow and friend to Hermes, vowing that he would love no other among the Immortals, neither god nor man sprung from Zeus, better than Hermes ...

Hymn to Artemis XXVII

• I sing of Artemis, whose shafts are of gold, who cheers on the hounds, the pure maiden, shooter of stags, who delights in archery, own sister to Apollon with the golden sword. Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow, rejoicing in the chase, and sends out grievous shafts. The tops of the high mountains tremble and the tangled wood echoes awesomely with the outcry of beasts: earthquakes and the sea also where fishes shoal. But the goddess with a bold heart turns every way destroying the race of wild beasts: and when she is satisfied and has cheered her heart, this huntress who delights in arrows slackens her supple bow and goes to the great house of her dear brother Phoibos (Phoebus) Apollon, to the rich land of Delphi, there to order the lovely dance of the Muses and Graces. There she hangs up her curved bow and her arrows, and heads and leads the dances, gracefully arrayed, while all they utter their heavenly voice, singing how neat-ankled Leto bare children supreme among the immortals both in thought and in deed.
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• Hail to you, children of Zeus and rich-haired Leto! And now I will remember you and another song also.

Hymn to Aphrodite V

• Anchises says to a disguised Aphrodite: "Hail, lady, whoever of the blessed ones you are that are come to this house, whether Artemis, or Leto, or golden Aphrodite, or high-born Themis, or bright-eyed Athene (Athena)."

Doubtful Fragments

• fragment 3 - The poet says that he and Homer sang hymns to Phoibos (Phoebus) Apollon, whom Leto bare

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